May 13

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.—Lamentations 3:2.

IS my faith such as gives me the comfort of a well-founded hope in Christ as my portion? Is he my resting-place in the midst of the world's storms and tempests, and the portion of my soul for ever? Do I rejoice in the comfort of this assurance? Does it strengthen me for duty, support me in trial, cheer me in the hour of despondency, and point me continually to the great recompense of reward in heaven?

Faith and hope, though distinct, are vitally united. They come from the same source, are sustained by the same evidence, are exercised on the same realities. Faith is the perceiving; hope the anticipating faculty. Faith sees heaven opened; hope says you are on your way to it. Faith comes by hearing; hope by experience. Faith has respect to the truth of the word; hope to its fulfillment. Faith looks to doctrine and promise: hope to reward. Faith is founded on what is in the Bible; hope on what is in heaven!—STANFORD.

The heart that trusts for ever sings,

And feels as light as it had wings;

A well of peace within it springs.

Come good or ill,

Whate'er to-day or morrow brings,

It is His will;

And so the soul in hope rejoices still.