A Never-failing Refuge
Be careful
for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God. Phil. 4:6.
It is not the
will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. But our Lord does
not deceive us. He does not say to us, "Do not fear; there are no dangers
in your path." He knows there are trials and dangers, and He deals with us
plainly. He does not propose to take His people out of a world of sin and evil,
but He points them to a never-failing refuge. . . .
How can we
remain in doubt, questioning whether Jesus loves us, sinful though we be and
compassed with infirmities? He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from
all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
He came to our world in the humble guise of a man, that He might become
acquainted with the griefs and temptations that beset man's pathway, and that
He might know how to help the weary with His offer of rest and peace. But thousands
upon thousands refuse His assistance and only cling more firmly to their burden
of care. He comes to the afflicted, and offers to soothe their grief and heal
their sorrow. . . . To the disappointed, the unbelieving, and the unhappy He
offers contentment, while pointing to mansions that He is preparing for them. .
. . Jesus, our precious Saviour, should be first in our thoughts and
affections, and we should trust Him with entire confidence. . . .
As each day
comes we must in the strength of Jesus meet its trials and temptations. If we
fail one day we add to the burdens of the next, and have less strength. We
should not cloud the future by our carelessness in the present, but by
thoughtful and careful performance of today's duties be preparing to meet the
emergencies of tomorrow.
We need to
cultivate a spirit of cheerfulness. . . . Let us ever look on the bright side
of life and be hopeful, full of love and good works, rejoicing in the Lord
always. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts," and "be ye
thankful" (Col. 3:15).
From That I May Know Him - Page 225
