“God takes delight in showing of mercy (Mic 7:18). He takes no pleasure in giving His people up to adversity (Hos 11:8). Mercy and kindness flow from Him freely, naturally. He is never severe, never harsh. He never stings, He never terrifies us, but when He is sadly provoked by us.

God’s hand sometimes may lie very hard upon His people, when His heart, His affections at those very times may be yearning towards them (Jer 31:18-20).

No man can tell the heart of God by His hand. God’s hand of mercy may be open to those against whom His heart is set, as you see in the rich poor fool, and Dives, in the Gospel. And His hand of severity may lie hard upon those on whom He has set His heart, as you may see in Job and Lazarus.” —Thomas Brooks