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A Never-failing Refuge, August 7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 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” (
Colossians 3:15
)
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The Review and Herald, February 3, 1885
.
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