James Smith (1802—1862)
The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble

“You have become weary of Me!” Isaiah 43:22

What a solemn charge is here! And yet who can plead, ‘Not guilty’?

To be wearied of man — weak, vain, fickle, changing man — is no wonder; but to be weary of God is truly astonishing. How does this charge set forth the deep and awful depravity of human nature. Yet you yourself have known times when you have felt, and manifested this weariness.

Note your too frequent neglect of public worship or your deadness, indifference, or wanderings therein.

Note your backwardness to draw near to God in private or the short time which satisfies you to be found upon your knees before Him.

Note your seldom opened Bible, or the lack of interest in its contents; the reluctance with which you sometimes take it up, and the readiness with which you lay it down!

Surely these things, rightly interpreted, say, “You have become weary of Me!”

If your weariness arises from physical weakness — it is infirmity.
But if weariness arises from disinclination — it is a shameful sin. And can it be, that we have been weary of our God . . .
whom angels always delight to obey;
whose service is perfect freedom,
whose smile is Heaven — and whose frown is Hell?
Oh yes — we have too frequently been weary of God.
Let us confess it with shame, contrition, and remorse.
Let us not attempt to excuse so fearful a crime — but let us come afresh to that precious blood which cleanses from all sin.

One hope remains — yes, there I’ll cling;
I’ll crouch beneath my Savior’s wing.
I’ll clasp His cross; and kneeling there,
Even me, redeeming love may spare.