‘My times are in your hand’ (Psalm 31:15)

Every event is under divine control; nothing is left to chance. The hand of God is in all that occurs; directing, overruling, or sanctifying for our good. He appointed all that concerns us and appointed all in infinite wisdom and love; therefore we should not judge rashly or conclude hastily.

We know not what may occur today, but we know that the purpose of God cannot be frustrated, nor can His promises fail. He works all things after the counsel of His own will. He says, “My purpose shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:11). But this is our comfort, that He takes pleasure in His people, and in the prosperity of His servants.

Let us consider then, everything passes under our Saviour’s eye; everything is overruled by our Saviour’s power; everything is directed by the Holy Spirit to do us good. It shall not be as our enemies wish, or as our hearts fear; but as our God and Father pleases and has ordained. Therefore, don’t be anxious, troubled or cast down. The Lord God omnipotent reigns, and He is God. He shall preserve you from evil, He shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).

I know not what may soon betide,
But Jesus knows, and He’ll provide.
My life is by His counsel plann’d,
And all my times are in His hands:
I’ll therefore trust, nor yield to fear,
But cast on Jesus all my care.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘My pastor wrote to me to say ! “What about Cheltenham? You will not be wanted there so soon as was talked of, but you will go there just at the time the Lord appointed that you should go, and do just that work there which he has appointed there by you to be done.” I therefore engaged to stay three more Sabbaths with the friends at D-.’ [Continued tomorrow]