January 24

It is I; be not afraid.—Matthew 14:27.

IN this assurance of the blessed Saviour, have I not the strongest ground of confidence that he will ever be a hiding-place from the storm, and a refuge from the tempest? No matter how the winds of trouble may sweep, or the waves of calamity may roar, is not Christ with his disciples, as of old, rebuking the storm, and giving the assurance of safety and peace? Do I look away from the clouds and darkness that so often gather, to my ever-present Saviour, and never lose my trust in him?

Tribulation cannot separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. But the love of God will, in the end, separate you from tribulation, and bring you out of it, and give you fullness of joy. —J. HEWITSON.

Do thy part with industry, and leave the event with God. I have seen matters fall out so unexpectedly, that they have taught me, in all affairs, neither to despair nor presume: not to despair, for God can help me; not to presume, for God can cross me. I will never presume, because I am a man. I will never despair, because I have a God.—FELTHAM.

God is my trust! my soul, be not afraid!

Thy helper will abide.

"I'll not forsake thee!" he has kindly said, He's ever at my side;

In strength or weakness will stand by me;

No real good will he deny me;

In everything that can betide me,

God is my trust!