Be of good cheer!
Charles SpurgeonMy Lord's words are true when it comes to tribulation. I have my share of tribulation beyond all doubt. The thresh is not hanging out of reach, nor can I expect it to be put away while I remain in the era. How could I expect to feel at home in the enemy's country, or joyful while in exile , or comfortable in a desert? This is not my rest. This is the place of the furnace, and of the forge, and of the hammer. My experience agrees with the words of my Lord.
I watch as he orders me to "be of good cheer." Alas, I am too prone to be downcast. My spirit soon falls when I am severely afflicted. But I must not give in to this feeling. When the Lord commands me to be of good cheer, I must not dare to be downcast.
What is the argument He uses to encourage me? For it is His own victory. He says: "I have conquered the world." His battle was much more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted until death. Why would I have no hope of winning? My soul, observe that the enemy has been defeated once. I fight a defeated enemy. Oh world, Jesus has already defeated you; and in me, by His grace, He will conquer you again. Therefore, I am of good cheer, and I sing hymns to my conquering Lord.
Source: The Bank of Faith Checkbook. Translation by Allan Roman.
http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/mayo.pdf