Job 34:37

REFLECTIONS

READER, let not this interesting discourse of Elihu pass away from us without leaving behind it upon our minds the many precious instructions it is so eminently calculated to impart; nor, in the view of the suitableness of it to Job, overlook the interest we ourselves have in it. Every perfection of JEHOVAH preacheth to us the same blessed truths as Elihu here contends for; namely, that GOD'S sovereignty, and GOD'S justice, independent of his covenant love and wisdom, have unanswerable claims upon all his creatures, for the most extensive and unqualified submission to his holy will in all things. That conclusion of Eli is, or ought to be, the conclusion of every one: It is the LORD, let him do what seemeth him good. But when we add to this view of GOD'S power and authority, the sense also of his wisdom and his love, while the former demands our dutiful submission, as to the LORD'S right, this latter adds another claim to this becoming frame of mind, because we know these glorious perfections are both engaged, and always in exercise, to arrange and order all things, as shall best and ultimately promote the happiness of his redeemed people, whatever outward events may be appointed for the accomplishment. And the consciousness of this brings the mind into the sweetest of all frames, when the heart is once fully established in the firm faith and assurance of it. For the soul of the faithful will then arrive at this happy conclusion, Wherefore should I be anxious at any one circumstance that occurs, when my GOD'S power and sovereignty, and my GOD'S wisdom and love, are all in exercise to do that for me which may best promote my GOD'S glory, and my welfare? No, saith the believer, let my GOD, my JESUS, my wise and loving LORD, choose everything for me; for sure I am it will then not only be the wisest and best chosen, but that which ought to be, for his glory and my good. Reader, I pray GOD that both you and I may find grace thus to act, and thus to refer everything into his hands that concerns our present and everlasting welfare, from a perfect conviction of that unerring truth, All things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them that are the called according to his purpose.