November 5

“I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made!’ — Isa. lvii. 16.

heavenly Father seeks our instruction, not our destruction. His contention with us has a kind intention towards us. He will not be always in arms against us. We think the Lord is long in his chastisements, but that is because we are short in our patience. His compassion endureth for ever, but not his contention. The night may drag its weary length along, but it must in the end give place to cheerful day. As contention is only for a season, so the wrath which leads to it is only for a small moment. The Lord loves his chosen too well to be al ways angry with them.

If he were to deal with us always as he does sometimes we should faint outright, and go down hopelessly to the gates of Meath. Courage, dear heart! the Lord will soon end his chiding. Bear up, for the Lord will bear you up, and bear you through. He who made you knows how frail you are, and how little you can bear. He will handle tenderly that which he has fashioned so delicately. Therefore, be not afraid because of the painful present, for it hastens to a happy future. He that smote you will heal you; his little wrath shall be followed by great mercies.