(Octavius Winslow, “Divine Realities” 1860)
“My times are in Your hand.” Psalm 31:15
Learn to be content with your present lot—with
God’s dealings with you, and His disposal of you.
You are just where His providence has, in its
inscrutable, but all wise and righteous decision,
placed you. It may be a painful, irksome, trying
position—but it is right. Oh yes—it is right!
Strive, then, to live a life of daily dependence upon
God. Oh it is a sweet and holy life! It saves . . .
from many a desponding feeling,
and from many corroding cares,
from many an anxious thought,
and sleepless nights,
from many a tearful eye, and
imprudent and sinful schemes.
Thus you shall walk with God through this
valley of tears, until you exchange . . .
sorrow—for joy,
suffering—for ease,
sin—for purity,
labor—for rest,
conflict—for victory,
and all earth’s chequered, gloomy scenes—for the
changeless, cloudless happiness and glory of heaven!
“My times are in Your hand.” Psalm 31:15
Instead of a river, God often gives us a brook–which may be running today, and dried up tomorrow.
Why?
To teach us not to rest in our blessings–but in the blesser Himself.
“Hold me up–and I shall be safe!” Psalm 119:117
“So do not fear–for I am with you! Do not be dismayed–for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!” Isaiah 41:10