Years ago two friends were traveling in Switzerland. One of them decided to remain in a hotel, at the foot of the Rigi, while the other went up in the railway to the summit of the mountain.
While thus separated, a heavy tempest swept along the valley. The lightnings flashed and the thunders pealed. The tourist who remained below telegraphed to his absent companion, "There is an awful storm raging down here." Promptly the answer was returned, "Come up here! We're above the storms!"
This is a picture of the truth conveyed in the words, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7. This has been thus epitomized:
"Careful for nothing,
Prayerful in everything,
Thankful for anything."
Refuse to allow anxiety to fill your breast and crush your spirit. The "cares of this life" are put in the same category, by the Lord Jesus, as surfeiting and drunkenness (Luke 21:34). From these gross self-indulgences we shrink, but "the cares of this life" are fondled by some as though they were babes to be cherished. Their effect is darkening and deadening, and we must avoid them.
Let us cultivate thanksgiving. There is always abundance for which our gratitude should be expressed to our God and Father, who knows what we have need of day by day. Then with our thanksgiving we join our requests in prayer and supplication. We unbosom ourselves before Him, and tell Him all our desire. The answer to our petition He may not see well to give, or it may be delayed until the time He judges best. But meanwhile His peace will be given to keep our hearts and minds, as a garrison keeps a city. He is in peace, never disturbed, and by the railway of faith we reach His presence above the storms and tempests of our lives.
"He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim;
He does the very best for those
Who leave the choice with Him."
First published as Songs for the Night Seasons by Inglis Fleming. New York: Loizeaux Bros., [n.d.]. Republished as Songs for Sorrow and Suffering by Bible Truth Publishers, 59 Industrial Road, Addison, IL 60101.
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