Page 223 - That I May Know Him (1964)

The Garden of God, July 26
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but
the word of the Lord endureth for ever. 1 Peter 1:24, 25.
If our minds are open to the impressions of the Spirit of God, we
may learn lessons from the simple and beautiful things of nature. I feel
oppressed in the crowded cities where there is naught for the eyes to look
upon but houses. The flowers are to us constant teachers. The shrubs and
flowers gather to themselves the properties of earth and air which they
appropriate to perfect the beautiful buds and blossoming flowers for our
happiness, but they are God’s preachers, and we are to consider the lessons
which they teach us.
Just so has God given us the precious promises throughout His Word.
The Scriptures are open to us as the garden of God, and their promises are
as fragrant flowers blooming all over that garden. God especially calls our
attention to the very ones that are appropriate for us. In these promises we
may discern the character of God and read His love to us. They are the
ground upon which our faith rests, the support and strength of our faith
and hope, and through these we are to delight our souls in God and breathe
in the fragrance of heaven. Through the precious promises He withdraws
the veil from the future and gives us glimpses of the things which He has
prepared for those who love Him....
We should not regard them with carelessness or indifference. But as
we would examine the precious flowers, ... delighting our senses with their
loveliness and fragrance, just so we should take the promises of God, one
by one, and examine them closely on every side—take in their richness,
and be soothed, comforted, encouraged, and strengthened by them. God
has provided for all the comforts the soul needs. They are suited to the
friendless, the poverty stricken, the wealthy, the sick, the bereaved—all
may have their appropriate help if they will see and take hold upon these by
faith. God scatters blessings all along our path to brighten the rugged way
of life, and we want to be receiving all the comfort and tokens of God’s
love with grateful hearts.42 [214]
42The Review and Herald, October 11, 1887.
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