Downcast and troubled Christian, come and glean today in the broad field of promise. Here are precious promises in abundance, and they meet your exact needs.

Take this one: "He will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax." Doesn't that suit your case perfectly? A reed—helpless, insignificant, and weak. A bruised reed, so damaged that no music can come from it. Weaker than weakness itself! A reed, and that reed bruised—yet he will not break you! On the contrary, he will restore and strengthen you.

You are like the smoking flax. No light, no warmth can come from you. But he will not quench you. He will blow on you with his sweet breath of mercy until he fans you into a flame.

Would you glean another ear? "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." What soft words! Your heart is tender, and the Master knows it. That's why he speaks so gently to you. Won't you obey him and come to him even now?

Take another ear of corn: "Do not fear, you worm Jacob, I will help you, says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." How can you fear with such a wonderful assurance as this? You could gather ten thousand golden ears like these!

"I have blotted out your sins like a cloud, and like a thick cloud your transgressions." Or this: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Or this: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who is thirsty come; and whoever wishes, let them take the water of life freely."

Our Master's field is very rich. Behold the handfuls! See how they lie before you, poor timid believer! Gather them up. Make them your own, for Jesus bids you take them. Be not afraid—only believe! Grasp these sweet promises, thresh them out by meditation and feed on them with joy.