David crossed that gloomy brook while fleeing from his traitor son. The man after God's own heart was not exempt from trouble—no, his life was full of it! He was both the Lord's Anointed and the Lord's Afflicted. Why then should we expect to escape?

The noblest of our race have stood at sorrow's gates with ashes on their heads. Why then do we complain as if some strange thing has happened to us?

The King of kings himself was not favored with a more cheerful or royal road. He crossed over the filthy ditch of Kidron, where all the filth of Jerusalem flowed. Listen to this truth: God had one Son without sin, but not a single child without the rod.

What great joy to know that Jesus has been tempted in all points like we are! What is your Kidron this morning? Is it a faithless friend? A sad bereavement? A slanderous reproach? A dark foreboding? The King has passed over all these.

Is it bodily pain? Poverty? Persecution? Contempt? Over each of these Kidrons the King has gone before us. "In all our afflictions he was afflicted."

The idea of strangeness in our trials must be banished at once and forever! He who is the Head of all saints knows by experience the grief we think so peculiar. All citizens of Zion must join the Honourable Company of Mourners, of which Prince Immanuel is Head and Captain.

But remember: though David was abased, he returned in triumph to his city! And David's Lord rose victorious from the grave! So be of good courage—we also shall win the day.

We shall yet with joy draw water from the wells of salvation, though now for a season we pass by the noxious streams of sin and sorrow. Courage, soldiers of the Cross! The King himself triumphed after crossing Kidron, and so shall you.