To the Dennison family
The story is told of a man who possessed many acres of forest land when a great fire devoured it. He was seated on a half-burnt log with his head in his hands, troubled over his great loss. Suddenly his wandering eye caught the glitter of silver in a rock at his feet. The heat of the fire had opened a fissure in the rock disclosing a rich vein of precious metal. Such things are always happening in life. God shuts our door that he may open His. Providence works with a very high purpose, and that purpose is the development and purification of our souls.
Having the idea of God’s personal interest in each human soul is very hard for our mind to grasp. But this belief that God has a particular knowledge of every separate life, and a great care for it is taught throughout the Bible. On one occasion Christ said: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:29-31). This faith that God sees us distinctly and particularly is the ground of the Christian’s confidence and security.
There are many who are bitter in mind at the thought of what might have happened if they had had better opportunities, greater wealth or fewer things to hinder their progress. They think that life holds nothing worthwhile since they cannot tread the path of their desire. To them comes the heartening passage that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28). To the eye of faith God’s acts are beneficial and wise. It isn’t always easy at the time to see just how this is so, but if we trust God, he will bring it to pass. God shuts the door which leads to the country of our dreams that he may open the one that leads beyond our most cherished dreams.
William Cowper writes: “God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Psalms 91:1-16).
John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
