See here, 1. How natural it is to us to desire to hear good news from
our friends, and concerning our affairs at a distance. It is sometimes
with impatience that we expect to hear from abroad; our souls thirst
after it. But we should check the inordinateness of that desire; if it
be bad news, it will come too soon, if good, it will be welcome at any
time. 2. How acceptable such good news will be when it does come, as
refreshing as cold water to one that is thirsty. Solomon himself had
much trading abroad, as well as correspondence by his ambassadors with
foreign courts; and how pleasant it was to hear of the good success of
his negotiations abroad he well knew by experience. Heaven is a country
afar off; how refreshing is it to hear good news thence, both in the
everlasting gospel, which signified glad tidings, and in the witness of
the Spirit with our spirits that we are God's children.