July 29

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.—Psalms 97:11.

WHEN trials and troubles gather in darkness on my path, do I remember that light is sown for me by my heavenly Father, and the seed will, in due time, spring up and bear the fruit of joy and gladness for my soul? Is this a comfort in the darkest hour of life? Though the clouds may gather and thicken, do I remember that the Sun of righteousness is behind them, and that they will soon break away, and its light and warmth cheer my heart?

Light is sown in the vale of fogs. Though often hidden for a time, seed-like, under the dark clouds of sorrow, it is only taking root in the chastened heart, and will soon appear, and bring forth the flowers to bloom, and the fruit to ripen in the garden of God.

Nothing doth so establish the mind amid the rolling and turbulence of present things as to look above and beyond them; above, to the steady and loving Hand by which they are ruled; and beyond them, to the light that is shining behind the clouds, and to the blessed home to which that divine Hand is leading us.

Lord, we sit and cry to thee, Like the blind beside the way; Make our darkened souls to see, Brightness of thy perfect day! Lord, rebuke our sullen night; Give thyself unto our sight! Then thy joy our souls shall fill, As we haste to do thy will!