January 3

Commit thy works unto the Lord.—Proverbs 16:3.

WHEN doubts or difficulties beset my path, do I at once take them to God, and ask him to make plain the way before me? Do I perplex myself needlessly, as well as dishonor God, by endeavoring by my own wisdom to find my way through difficulty or in duty, thereby practically distrusting his promised guidance and help? Before entering on any new work or undertaking, do I make it a point to ask his blessing, and to seek the guidance of his word, and providence, and Spirit?

If the Lord careth for thee, be thyself at rest; for if he care, why shouldst thou care too? His providence will provide if thou sincerely trust it.—LEIGHTON.

To make our reliance on Providence both pious and rational, we should, in every enterprise, prepare all things with the same care, diligence and activity that we would do if there were no such thing as Providence for us to depend upon; and then, when we have done all this, we should as wholly and humbly rely upon it, as if we had made no preparations at all.—SOUTH.

Leave God to order all thy ways,

And hope in him whatever betide;

Thou'lt find him, in the evil days,

Thine all-sufficient strength and guide.

Who trusts in God's unchanging love

Builds on the rock that naught can move.

—NEUMARK.