It is one thing to hope that God is with us and another thing to know that He is so. Faith saves us, but assurance satisfies us. It is when we enjoy covenant blessings and see our Lord Jesus raised up for us as a plant of renown that we come to a clear knowledge of the favor of God toward us. Not by law, but by grace do we learn that we are the Lord's people. Let us always turn our eyes in the direction of free grace.
Assurance of faith can never come by the works of the law.
It is an evangelical virtue and can only reach us in a gospel way. Let us not look within. Let us look to the Lord alone. As we see Jesus we shall see our salvation. Lord, send us such a flood-tide of Thy love that we shall be washed beyond the mire of doubt and fear.