Should it be according to your mind?
Read More“Should it be according to your mind?” Job 34:33
We are prone to be fretful, to complain of the dispensations of Divine Providence, and to reflect harshly upon the Lord’s dealings with us.We want our own way.
We wish to carve for ourselves.
We would be treated as God’s favorites.
We want our ease, and prosperity, and pleasure, consulted in all things. And if this does not appear to be done–if our wills are crossed, if our schemesare frustrated, if our purposes are broken off–then we stumble, think ourselves badly treated, and look for everybody to sympathize with us.
Under these circumstances, God comes to us–as we sit among our broken cisterns, surrounded by our dethroned idols–and puts this question to us: “Should it be according to your mind?”
Are you wiser than God?
Are you kinder than God?
Are you holier than God?
Are you more just than God?
Are you better informed than God?
May not your mind be dark, or selfish, or foolish?
Should it then be according to your mind?
Should you reign–or God?
Remember that God acts in the highest wisdom; His motives are grace and justice; and all His purposes are worthy of Himself.
The least the Christian can do is to submit–and to prefer God’s wisdom, way, and work–to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people–they, at least, should daily say, “Father, may Your will be done!”
O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence–but to acquiesce in them, and bepleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted–your best interests are secured; and soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness, have marked out every step of your road!
“Jesus replied: You do not understand what I am now doing–but someday you will.” John 13:7
(James Smith, “Important Questions!” 1858)
He will guide us to the end of the journey!
“He will be our guide–even unto death!” Psalm 48:14
What a precious assurance is this!
Our God is our guide!
He led us out of the world at first,
directed us to the cross, and
conducted us into the path of holiness.
He has led us through all our past difficulties and trials; He leads us by the hand at present, and He will never give up His charge, for He will be our guide even unto death. He will . . .
choose our way;
lead us in the paths of righteousness;
kindly converse with us along the road;
point out the snares and dangers in our path;
keep us by His power through faith unto salvation,
and will patiently bear with us unto the end!
He may . . .
hide His face,
refuse communion,
withhold comforts,
smite us for our follies, and
teach us our dependence on Himself by painful experience;
but He will never forsake us–or give us up!
He will guide us to the end of the journey, and will go with us through the last dark valley!
He will not only lead us to the heavenly kingdom–but put us in possession of it! This He has promised–and He will faithfully perform it.
Beloved, it is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom! He will guide us now–and by and by receive us to glory!
(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Evening Visit”)
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