Naked as From the Earth We Came
We must acknowledge God's sovereignty over our lives, trust in His justice and mercy, and cultivate a sense of peace and humility in the face of life's fleeting nature and suffering.
Isaac Watts preaches about the transient nature of life, emphasizing that we come from dust and return to dust, highlighting that all the joys and possessions we have are temporary gifts from God to be eventually returned, and reminding us that God is the ultimate giver and taker of all things. Watts encourages surrendering to God's will, accepting both His blessings and His trials with peace and gratitude, and ultimately praising God in all circumstances, whether in times of mercy or in times of loss.
Text
(Job 1:21)
Naked as from the earth we came,
And crept to life at first,
We to the earth return again,
And mingle with our dust.
The dear delights we here enjoy
And fondly call our own
Are but short favours borrowed now
To be repaid anon.
'Tis God that lifts our comforts high,
Or sinks 'em in the grave.
He gives, and (blessed be his Name)
He takes but what he gave.
Peace, all our angry passions then!
Let each rebellious sigh
Be silent at his sovereign will,
And every murmur die.
If smiling Mercy crown our lives
Its praises shall be spread,
And we'll adore the justice too
That strikes our comforts dead.
Sermon Outline
- Our Origins and Return
- The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Delights
- God's Sovereignty Over Our Comforts
- The Importance of Humility and Trust
- We must silence our rebellious passions
- And trust in God's justice and mercy
Key Quotes
“''Tis God that lifts our comforts high, Or sinks ''em in the grave.” — Isaac Watts
“He gives, and (blessed be his Name) He takes but what he gave.” — Isaac Watts
“Peace, all our angry passions then! Let each rebellious sigh Be silent at his sovereign will, And every murmur die.” — Isaac Watts
Application Points
- We should trust in God's sovereignty over our lives and not rebel against His will.
- We should cultivate a sense of peace and humility in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties.
- We should praise God for His justice and mercy, even in the midst of suffering and loss.