July 16, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come. For Thy servants rake pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof." — Psalm 102:13, 14 · KJV

A selfish man in trouble is exceedingly hard to comfort, because the springs of his comfort lie entirely within himself, and when he is sad, all his springs are dry. But a large-hearted man, full of Christian love, has other springs from which to supply himself with comfort besides those that lie within. He can go to his God first of all, and there find abundant help; and he can discover arguments for consolation in things relating to the world at large, to his country, and, above all, to the church. David, in this Psalm, was exceedingly sorrowful; he wrote, "I am like an owl of the desert. I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top." The only way he could comfort himself was in the reflection that God would arise and have mercy on Zion: though he was sad, yet Zion should prosper; however low his own estate, yet Zion should arise. Christian, learn to comfort yourself in God's gracious dealings toward the church. That which is so dear to your Master — should it not be dear above all else to you? Though your own way is dark, can you not gladden your heart with the triumphs of His cross and the spread of His truth? Our own personal troubles are forgotten while we look, not only at what God has done, and is doing, for Zion, but at the glorious things He will yet do for His church. Try this remedy, O believer, whenever you are sad of heart and heavy of spirit: forget yourself and your little concerns, and seek the welfare and prosperity of Zion. When you bend your knee in prayer to God, do not limit your petition to the narrow circle of your own life, tried though it be, but send out your longing prayers for the church's prosperity. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," and your own soul shall be refreshed.