1.01.03. Book 1: Chapter 3
3
THERE was one who was not afraid of any evil tidings, for her heart stood fast believing in the Lord. And her trust was in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever.
Often He had arisen as light in the darkness.
Often she had called upon Him in troubles and He had delivered her, and heard her what time the storm fell upon her.
He had been merciful, loving and righteous, and she had said, "Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath His dwelling so high; and yet humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?" And now she found herself standing alone, looking into a great mist.
Fold after fold the hills lay there before her, but always in mist. She could see no path, except a little track in the valley below. She thought that she was quite alone, and for a while she stood looking, listening, and feeling this loneliness and uncertainty harder to bear than any acute distress had ever been.
Then, softly, voices began to speak within her, now discouraged, now encouraging.
"My flesh and my heart faileth."
"But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever."
"My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my soul: and my kinsmen stand afar off."
"Nevertheless, I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand."
"My tears have been my meat day and night; while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?" "Thou shalt answer for me, 0 Lord my God."
"Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?"
"Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
"My way is hidden from my God."
"He knoweth the way that I take. All my ways are before Him. As for God, His way is perfect and He maketh my way perfect. They thirsted not when He led them through the deserts. Will they faint when He leads them through the hills?"
Then she looked again at the mist, and it was lightening, and she knew that she was not alone, for her God was her refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He was about her path; He would make good His loving-kindness toward her, and His loving-kindness was comfortable. Nor could she fear any more, for those dim folds in the hills were open ways to Him. He would not let her be disappointed of her hope. So it was enough for her to see only the next few steps, because He would go before her and make His footsteps a way to walk in. And of this she was also sure: He whom she followed saw through the mist to the end of the way. She would never be put to confusion. And in that hour a song was given to her. She sang it as she walked: "0 what great troubles and adversities hast Thou showed me! and yet didst Thou turn and refresh me: and broughtest me up from the deep of the earth again. The Lord is my Strength and my Shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise Him. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon Thee: Thou saidst, Fear not. 0 Lord, Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; Thou hast redeemed my life. 0 let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, that I may sing of Thy glory and honour all the day long, for Thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek Thee." And as she walked thus and sang, others whom she did not see because of the mist that still lay on her way, heard her singing and were comforted and helped to follow on, even unto the end.