A Never-Failing Refuge

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 19
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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A Never-Failing Refuge

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil. 4:6.

It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with
care. But our Lord does not deceive us. He does not say to us, "Do not
fear; there are no dangers in your path." He knows there are trials and
dangers, and He deals with us plainly. He does not propose to take His
people out of a world of sin and evil, but He points them to a
never-failing refuge. . . . 

How can we remain in doubt, questioning whether Jesus loves us, sinful
though we be and compassed with infirmities? He gave Himself for us that
He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works. He came to our world in the humble guise
of a man, that He might become acquainted with the griefs and
temptations that beset man's pathway, and that He might know how to help
the weary with His offer of rest and peace. But thousands upon thousands
refuse His assistance and only cling more firmly to their burden of
care. He comes to the afflicted, and offers to soothe their grief and
heal their sorrow. . . . To the disappointed, the unbelieving, and the
unhappy He offers contentment, while pointing to mansions that He is
preparing for them. . . . Jesus, our precious Saviour, should be first
in our thoughts and affections, and we should trust Him with entire
confidence. . . .
 
As each day comes we must in the strength of Jesus meet its trials and
temptations. If we fail one day we add to the burdens of the next, and
have less strength. We should not cloud the future by our carelessness
in the present, but by thoughtful and careful performance of today's
duties be preparing to meet the emergencies of tomorrow.

We need to cultivate a spirit of cheerfulness. . . . Let us ever look on
the bright side of life and be hopeful, full of love and good works,
rejoicing in the Lord always. "Let the peace of God rule in your
hearts," and "be ye thankful" (Col. 3:15).

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 130, 131