Here's a truth that should flood your heart with comfort: we can find immense solace not only in what God has said, but in what he has not said. What he has spoken is inexpressibly full of comfort and delight. But what he has left unsaid? That's scarcely less rich with consolation.

It was one of these divine "said nots" that preserved the kingdom of Israel in the days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash. For "the Lord said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven." And in our text tonight, we have a rock-solid assurance that God will answer prayer, because he has "not said unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain."

You who write bitter things against yourselves, remember this! Let your doubts and fears say what they will—if God has not cut you off from mercy, there is no room for despair. None! Even the voice of your own conscience is of little weight if it's not seconded by the voice of God. What God has said, tremble at! But don't let your vain imaginings overwhelm you with despondency and sinful despair.

So many timid souls are vexed by the suspicion that somewhere in God's decree their name might be crossed out. That maybe, just maybe, they're shut out from hope forever. But here's a complete refutation to that troublesome fear: no true seeker can be decreed to wrath. God himself declares it: "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. I have not said"—not even in the secret of my unsearchable decree—"Seek ye me in vain."

God has clearly revealed that he will hear the prayer of those who call upon him. And that declaration cannot be contravened! He has spoken so firmly, so truthfully, so righteously that there can be no room for doubt. He doesn't reveal his mind in unintelligible words. He speaks plainly and positively: "Ask, and ye shall receive."

Believe, O trembler, this sure truth—that prayer must and shall be heard! Never, not even in the secrets of eternity, has the Lord said unto any living soul, "Seek ye me in vain."