Psalm 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember you from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites… The path of life is strewed with the fallen blossoms of hope. I. GOD OFTEN DISAPPOINTS US TO TEACH US SUBMISSION TO HIS WILL. Many and painful experiences are necessary before the natural self-will and self-sufficiency are expelled from the heart. II. Disappointments are sent us because GOD MEANS TO CITE US SOMETHING BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAVE CHOSEN FOR OURSELVES. This is a most familiar experience. We have set our heart upon the attainment of some particular good. God knew better than we did, and in His love He refused to give us what would have been unsuitable to us. III. GOD DISAPPOINTS US AT PRESENT, TO GIVE US WHAT WE SEEK AT SOME BETTER TIME. Illustrate by Joseph's disappointment when forgotten by the butler. But, when his hopes were at last realized, how much richer the inheritance! God's choice of time, as well as God's choice of gift, will always be found to he the wisest and best. IV. OUR SENSE OF DISAPPOINTMENT IS UNREASONABLE AND FOOLISH. We are ready to forget that there is a law of orderly development by which God works out His plans. Would the husbandman have a right to be disappointed when he discovered that the seed he sowed yesterday had not yet even appeared above the soil? And many of our disappointments are as unreasonable. (Evangelical Advocate.) Parallel Verses KJV: O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. |
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