May 30

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.—Isaiah 26:3.

IN all the pressing duties and trying uncertainties and perplexities of life, do I trust myself entirely to my heavenly Father, and cast all my cares on him? Knowing his wisdom and goodness, and that he cares for every one of his children, am I satisfied with his guidance? Do I find peace in the thought that he is on the throne; and that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, I may always have strong consolation, if I have made him my refuge and my hope?

All experience shows that peace, composure of mind, and quiet or joyous hope, all come from a trusting submission to the divine will: a submission that says from the heart, "Thy will be done;" a submission that disposes one to do or bear, cheerfully, whatever God may appoint. A soul that has attained to this state, though it may still be clogged with many infirmities, has attained to the highest peace of earth and of heaven.—E. PEABODY.

There are briars besetting earth's every path,

And calling for patient care;

And a cross there is, often, in every lot,

And an earnest need for prayer.

But a lowly heart that leans on God,

Is happy everywhere.