‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10)

The dispensations of divine providence are often very perplexing; our God has His way in the sea, and His path in the deep waters, and His footsteps are not known. Reason is confounded, and faith is staggered; but He hushes our fears, silences our cries, and bids us “PEACE, BE STILL”.

We must lie before Him, as the lamb at the shepherd’s feet; as the child in the parent’s arms. He will not harm us Himself, nor will He let others do so. We must learn that He is God – infinitely wise, invariably good, always Sovereign.

He does everything according to His will in heaven, on earth, in the sea, and all deep places. None can stay His hand, or dispute His right to accomplish His will. Let us therefore keep silent before Him. He is our God, and we are His people. His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures throughout all generations.

And let us not murmur, for He is gracious; let us not complain, for He is faithful; instead, let us wait upon Him, submitting all things to His will, and surrendering ourselves into His hands, praying: “Here I am, let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him” [2 Samuel 15:26].

When I can trust my all with God,
In trial’s fearful hour –
Bow, all resign’d, beneath His rod,
And bless His sparing power,
A joy springs up amidst distress –
A fountain in the wilderness.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘MARCH. I have experienced some sharp exercises of late – doubts, fears, and many painful cogitations. The fear of sudden death, has a good deal depressed me, nor could I feel quite sure, as to what would follow death. These things have driven me to prayer; but even in prayer I have not that sensible communion with God which I so ardently desire.’