Brought Low - But Helped

Brought Low - But Helped

"I was brought low - and He helped me!" (Psalm 116:6).

The circumstances of the Christian often vary - and it is no uncommon thing for his frames and feelings to vary with his circumstances. On this account, many of the Lord's people ae either elevated - or depressed, but seldom enjoy a calm, peaceful, and settled state of mind. Their depression is great - or their joys are high. But even this is overruled for their good, and is sanctified to the humbling of the soul, and the preserving it from self-importance and pride. What a mercy it is to have a God to go to - let our frames and feelings be what they may. What a mercy to have One who will sympathize with us, and of whom it is said, "Like as a father pities his children - so the Lord pities those who fear Him." This was David's encouragement, and lay at the root of much of his experience, and led him to say, "I was brought low - and He helped me."

His Painful Condition. "I was brought low." O how low the believer is brought sometimes - into what straits and trials, into what troubles and distresses!

Sometimes in his outward circumstances, by the loss of property, or friends, or situation; all seems against him, everything seems to conspire together to bring him low.

Sometimes in body, by strong pain, extreme weakness, or nervous disorders; so that everything loses its relish, and he can enjoy nothing earthly.

At other times it is distress in the soul, by violent temptations, by distressing bereavements, by the hidings of the Lord's face, or His withholding divine communications. Now everything appears to be covered with a pall - and gloom and darkness spreads over the soul.

But at times the Lord so sanctifies the circumstances, as painful as they are, that they become real blessings; pride is humbled, false confidence is destroyed, and the man walks softly before the Lord!

Yet at other times - faith is shaken, the heart is straitened, doubts spring up, fears are strong, the evidences are beclouded, prayer becomes a task - and we think that God must be angry with us. This brings us low, lays us prostrate, and we cry plaintively unto God. Then in answer to the cry of faith, the Lord sends help, or appears for our relief, and soon we are able to say, "I was brought low - and He helped me!"

His Encouraging Testimony. "He helped me." Blessed be His holy name, He never allows us to sink - but He comes to our help! He helps us in trouble: by rendering His assistance, by sending us supplies, by raising us up friends, by restoring us to health and strength, by reviving our graces and raising our spirits; or by imparting a little scriptural light, a little holy love, a little heavenly dew, or a little spiritual unction.

Thus He draws out our souls in prayer, excites hope in His mercy, awakens confidence in His Word - and we sink in deep humility at His footstool.

Now we can bear trouble with patience, and look for deliverance with courage. He helps us out of trouble, by turning our captivity as He did Job's. Now providence smiles, health returns, promises are applied, comfort is imparted, the Spirit bears His inward witness, the heart is enlarged, confidence is produced, and sweet communion with Himself is granted.

This is sending and taking us out of the deep waters. This is bringing us up out of the horrible pit - and setting our feet upon a solid rock. This is like returning to the days of our youth. Now we can sing in the ways of the Lord, because great is the glory of the Lord. Now we can say with the prophet, "O Lord, I will praise You, though You were angry with me - Your anger is turned away, and you comfort me."

We must sink -before we rise. This is always true in grace, for before honor - is humility. We must pace the valley of humiliation, before we ascend the mount of high and holy communion with God. And very frequently is it is the case, that the lower we sink - the higher we rise. If the Lord is stripping us, emptying us, pruning us, and bringing us low; so that we feel weak, empty and void of good - it is in order that He may strengthen us with His might, bring us to rest on His Word, fill us with His own love, and lead us to look for everything in Jesus.

When brought low - hope should be encouraged. The Lord will help us. We ought not then to encourage fears, or yield to despondency - but should rather chide ourselves for yielding to such feelings. He who brings us down by His providence - He will support and raise us up by His grace.

The church of old testified, "We went through fire and through water - but You brought us out into a wealthy place." Just so shall we shortly be delivered, and when we stand on the borders of the promised land, when we are about to cross the river that separates time from eternity -we shall then with our dying breath for the comfort of those we leave behind us say, "I was brought low - and He helped me!"

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you go through deep waters - I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty - you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression - you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour!" (Isaiah 43:1-3).

~James Smith~

(The End)