God, That Comforteth Those That Are Cast Down
God is the ultimate source of comfort, and His word has the power to bring great joy and consolation to those who are cast down.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true comfort comes from God alone, especially for those who are feeling cast down and distressed. He illustrates how human attempts to comfort can often fall short, likening the afflicted to a deaf adder who cannot hear sweet words of encouragement. However, when God intervenes, He lifts the mourner's spirits and fills them with hope and joy. Spurgeon encourages Christians to seek solace in God's promises, as they are the true source of healing and joy, rather than relying on earthly comforts that may disappoint. Ultimately, he reassures believers that God is the ultimate Comforter who can transform their despair into delight.
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And who comforteth like Him? Go to some poor, melancholy, distressed child of God; tell him sweet promises, and whisper in his ear choice words of comfort; he is like the deaf adder, he listens not to the voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely. He is drinking gall and wormwood, and comfort him as you may, it will be only a note or two of mournful resignation that you will get from him; you will bring forth no psalms of praise, no hallelujahs, no joyful sonnets. But let God come to His child, let Him lift up his countenance, and the mourner's eyes glisten with hope. Do you not hear him sing--
"'Tis paradise, if thou art here; If thou depart, 'tis hell?"
You could not have cheered him: but the Lord has done it; "He is the God of all comfort." There is no balm in Gilead, but there is balm in God. There is no physician among the creatures, but the Creator is Jehovah-rophi. It is marvellous how one sweet word of God will make whole songs for Christians. One word of God is like a piece of gold, and the Christian is the goldbeater, and can hammer that promise out for whole weeks. So, then, poor Christian, thou needest not sit down in despair. Go to the Comforter, and ask Him to give thee consolation. Thou art a poor dry well. You have heard it said, that when a pump is dry, you must pour water down it first of all, and then you will get water, and so, Christian, when thou art dry, go to God, ask Him to shed abroad His joy in thy heart, and then thy joy shall be full. Do not go to earthly acquaintances, for you will find them Job's comforters after all; but go first and foremost to thy "God, that comforteth those that are cast down," and you will soon say, "In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul."
Sermon Outline
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The Comfort of God
- God is the ultimate source of comfort
- He is the God of all comfort
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The Futility of Human Comfort
- Human words of comfort are often ineffective
- Earthly acquaintances can be like Job's comforters
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The Power of God's Word
- One word of God can bring great joy and comfort
- God's promises can be hammered out into whole songs
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The Call to Seek God's Comfort
- Christians should not sit in despair
- Go to God and ask for consolation
Key Quotes
“'Tis paradise, if thou art here; If thou depart, 'tis hell?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“There is no balm in Gilead, but there is balm in God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He is the God of all comfort.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- When you are feeling dry and empty, go to God and ask Him to shed abroad His joy in your heart.
- Do not rely on human words of comfort, but seek the comfort of God, who is the God of all comfort.
- God's promises can be hammered out into whole songs, bringing great joy and comfort to your life.