These words might be well ruled out of season in this self- sufficient, boastful day. That they are so in fact, if not in terms, is more than evident to all whose eyes are opened and anointed.
One thing is clear enough, the apostle, blessed, man, was not like some who are not apostles. But then, it is true, modern ideas and scriptural revelation are in direct antagonism. Paul was not the man who carried everything before him, applauded and made much of by those who are led by wisdom of words, excellency of speech, or intellectual prowess; on the contrary, weakness, fear, and much trembling marked him. It is an immense comfort, in the inward storms and conflicts of the heart, to be able to say, “Nevertheless God.” Oh, what a divine solace there is in Him, now made known to us in Christ. Not only our Father, but “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” Whatever of mercy is needed for His poor servant, our God is the Author of it. The connection of Father with mercy here, as with glory elsewhere, is very blessed; whatever of comfort, the heart oppressed in the cloudy and dark day, longs for, is all treasured up in God Himself, He is the God of all encouragement (B"D"68ºF,äH); the thought of strengthening is involved in the word, because properly it is the act of calling some one to our side to aid us.
It is both interesting and comforting to the heart to see that in the first chapter of this epistle the apostle begins with the source of all cheer and solace, while in the verses we are considering he turns from the no rest of his spirit, the fightings without and fears within, to God Himself in those words, “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down.” The words “cast down” are expressed in the original by one word, which means, being made low (J"B,4<@ßH); for this use of it see Luke 3:55Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (Luke 3:5). There was only One who had un-measured trouble and sorrow here, the blessed, precious Lord; to us all is measured out, either God-given or God-permitted sorrow. Our Father and God knows exactly what His poor vessels are able to bear, all goes on under His hand; while passing through the fire or through the water, He is no uninterested looker-on, be assured.
Dear reader, is the night long and dark with us? Do the floods of adversity and trial lift up their voice and waves? Look up, hope, and wait. Let us assure our hearts He is near us, and sees us, it may be, toiling in rowing against contrary winds and tide. (See Mark 6:4848And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. (Mark 6:48)) Let us remember the darkest part of the night is not only that which is near the dawn of day, but it is then that He cometh unto us walking upon the very elements that we dread, then it is that immediately He talks with us and says, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”
May we take courage from all this, and even though our case be described in the words, “No rest,” “troubled on every side,” “without fightings,” “within fears,” still there is “Nevertheless God.”