Belief Through the Darkness
Belief in God's perfect goodness and wisdom is the key to peace and joy, even in the midst of pain and hardship.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding light in the midst of darkness, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's goodness, wisdom, and mercy even when faced with doubts and troubles. She encourages surrendering to God's will without resistance, acknowledging that true peace and joy come from aligning our hearts with His purpose. Tileston highlights the need to accept God's will unquestioningly, knowing that one day everything will be made clear.
Text
When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
MICAH 7:8
WHEN doubts disturb my troubled breast,
And all is dark as night to me,
Here, as on solid rock, I rest--
That so it seemeth good to Thee.
RAY PALMER
WHEN trouble, restless fears, anxious fretfulness, strive to overpower the soul, our safety is in saying, "My God, I believe in Thy perfect goodness and wisdom and mercy. What Thou doest I cannot now understand; but I shall one day see it all plainly. Meanwhile I accept Thy will, whatever it may be, unquestioning, without reserve." There would be no restless disturbance, no sense of utter discomfort and discomposure in our souls, if we were quite free from any--it may be almost unconscious--opposition to God's will. But we do struggle against it, we do resist; and so long as that resistance endures we cannot be at peace. Peace, and even joy, are quite compatible with a great deal of pain--even mental pain--but never with a condition of antagonism or resistance.
H. L. SIDNEY LEAR
Let him set his heart firmly upon this resolution: "I must bear it inevitably, and I will, by God's grace, do it nobly."
JEREMY TAYLOR
Sermon Outline
- The Lord as a Light in Darkness
- The Importance of Unquestioning Faith
- The Dangers of Resistance to God's Will
- The Path to Peace and Joy
- Accepting pain and hardship with faith
- The role of God's grace in noble perseverance
Key Quotes
“When trouble, restless fears, anxious fretfulness, strive to overpower the soul, our safety is in saying, 'My God, I believe in Thy perfect goodness and wisdom and mercy.'” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Let him set his heart firmly upon this resolution: ''I must bear it inevitably, and I will, by God''s grace, do it nobly.''” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- You should trust in God's perfect goodness and wisdom, even when you don't understand what's happening.
- You should accept God's will without reserve, trusting that He is working all things for your good.
- You should surrender and submit to God's will, trusting in His goodness and wisdom to guide you.