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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
Counseling With Fears Strengthens Them—If we take counsel
with our doubts and fears or try to solve everything that we cannot
see clearly before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and
deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we
really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him
whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation and who
governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to
our cry and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer
we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may
have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer
is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may
not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying
tenderness.—
Steps to Christ, 96, 97
(1892).
The Cause for Sickness of Body and Mind—That which brings
sickness of body and mind to nearly all is dissatisfied feelings and
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discontented repinings. They have not God, they have not the hope
which reaches to that within the veil, which is as an anchor to the
soul both sure and steadfast. All who possess this hope will purify
themselves even as He is pure. Such are free from restless longings,
repinings, and discontent; they are not continually looking for evil and
brooding over borrowed trouble. But we see many who are having
a time of trouble beforehand; anxiety is stamped upon every feature;
they seem to find no consolation but have a continual fearful looking
for of some dreadful evil.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:566
(1867).
Fear Brings No Relief to the Soul—You should have a clear
apprehension of the gospel. The religious life is not one of gloom
and of sadness but of peace and joy coupled with Christlike dignity
and holy solemnity. We are not encouraged by our Saviour to cherish
doubts and fears and distressing forebodings; these bring no relief to
the soul and should be rebuked rather than praised. We may have joy
unspeakable and full of glory.—MS 6, 1888. (
Evangelism, 180
.)
Faith Grows in Conflict With Doubt and Fear—The Lord fre-
quently places us in difficult positions to stimulate us to greater exer-
tion. In His providence special annoyances sometimes occur to test
our patience and faith. God gives us lessons of trust. He would teach
us where to look for help and strength in time of need. Thus we obtain
practical knowledge of His divine will, which we so much need in our