July 28

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.—Romans 8:28.

DOES the love of God so reign within me, that all his providences are working out my spiritual good? Do I see the hand of God in them all? If joyous, do they lead me, in devout thankfulness, to him? Or if trying and grievous, do they bring me in humility and childlike submission to his feet, with the feeling that he knows what is best, and is ordering all in infinite wisdom and love, and that what I know not now, I shall know hereafter?

If we see or feel sorrow, let us not be depressed; for the end of his counsel and working lieth hidden and underneath the ground; but as seed it shall spring up and bear a harvest of joy and blessedness to all that love God.

Either directly or indirectly, every providence has a tendency to the spiritual good of those who love God; breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to the Saviour, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven.—MATTHEW HENRY.

Go, then, earthly fame and pleasure;

Come disaster, scorn, and pain!

In thy service pain is pleasure;

With thy favor loss is gain!

I have called thee Abba, Father!

I have stayed my heart on thee!

Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,

All must work for good to me!—H. F. LYTE.