John Newton on the Presence of the Lord in Dark Times

Here are some good words from John Newton for those of you, like me, who may be going through dark times:

If, as you observe, the Song of Solomon describes the experience of his church, it shows the dark as well as the bright side. No one part of it is the experience of every individual at any particular time. Some are in his banqueting-house, others upon their beds. Some sit under His banner, supported by His arm; while others have a faint perception of Him at a distance, with many a hill and mountain between. In one thing, however, they all agree, that He is the leading object of their desires, and that they have had such a discovery of His person, work, and love, as makes Him precious to their hearts. Their judgment of Him is always the same, but their sensibility varies. The love they bear Him, though rooted and grounded in their hearts, is not always equally in exercise, nor can it be so. We are like trees, which, though alive, cannot put forth their leaves and fruit without the influence of the sun. They are alive in winter as well as in summer; but how different is their appearance in these different seasons! Were we always alike, could we always believe, love, and rejoice, we should think the power inherent and our own; but it i. more for the Lord's glory, and more suited to form us to a temper becoming the Gospel, that we should be made deeply sensible of our own inability and dependence, than that we should be always in a lively frame. I am persuaded, a broken and a contrite spirit, a conviction of our vileness and nothingness, connected with a cordial acceptance of Jesus as revealed in the Gospel, is the highest attainment we can reach in this life. Sensible comforts are desirable, and we must be sadly declined when they do not appear to us; but I believe there may be a real exercise of faith and growth in grace when our sensible feelings are faint and low. A soul may be in as thriving a state when thirsting, seeking, and mourning after the Lord, as when actually rejoicing in Him; as much in earnest when fighting in the valley, as when singing upon the mount; nay, dark seasons afford the surest and strongest manifestations of the power of faith. To hold fast the word of promise, to maintain a hatred of sin, to go on steadfastly in the path of duty, in defiance both of the frowns and the smiles of the world, when we have but little comfort, is a more certain evidence of grace, than a thousand things which we may do or forbear when our spirits are warm and lively. I have seen many who have been upon the whole but uneven walkers, though at times they have seemed to enjoy, at least have talked of, great comforts. I have seen others, for the most part, complain of much darkness and coldness, who have been remarkably humble, tender, and exemplary in their spirit and conduct. Surely were I to choose my lot, it should be with the latter.

Comments

[Judy Martin]

David - I admire your honesty and courage. I am sorry for where your pathway must lead, but I pray that God's grace will comfort you and bring you peace. Blessings.

[David Wayne]

Thanks Judy - sorry I haven't been better at keeping in touch - will try to do so - I hope you have a great holiday season.

[David Honaker]

I have been through my own dark (very, very dark) times too. My faith in a loving Father in Heaven has helped me where nothing else could. Suffering a truly horrible disease now (it's genetic, nothing can be done), I find myself again reflecting on the scriptures (Biblical and LDS) of the Savior and all He has done for us. In this Christmas season, I recall that "God SO loved the world...." that he gave His beloved Son to us. What a wonderful, priceless, incomprehensible gift! When I contemplate such things of eternity, my pain and sadness lessens. thanks for your blog, it is uplifting!