Even lonely seas

Here are encouraging words from the great 19th century British preacher, Charles Spurgeon, passed on to me by one who suffers.  What he says applies as well to those who suffer emotional pain.

Certain believers are called to bear great physical pain, and I commend to them the power of faith in God under acute agony.  This is the sweetest support in the presence of a physical suffering.  Go not to wine for comfort in the hour of depression.  Do not appeal to friends for consolation.  What do they know of your inward sorrow? 

There are seas of suffering that the sufferer must navigate alone.  No other sail is within sight.  Scan the horizon, and nothing is to be seen but wave after wave.  Now is the hour for faith in the great Lord, who holds even lonely seas in the hollow of His hand.  

He knows your poor body, and He permits it to be afraid.  He permits your heart to be trembling because He will glorify Himself in His tenderness to your weakness.  "I am the LORD that healeth thee"  (Exod. 15:26).  Give yourself to Him, and you shall yet sing of His lovingkindness and tender mercies.'

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