| In His Steps |
Chapter 12 |
Page 4 |
Preparation may also be made in times of joy and gladness for the days of trial, by filling our hearts with the truths of the Scriptures. The wise virgins were not left in darkness when their lamps had burned out, because they had a reserve of oil in their vessels. If we have a store of divine promises and consolations hidden in our heart during the sunny days, we shall never be left in darkness, however suddenly the shadow may fall upon us. Words of Scripture in which we have never before seen any special comfort will then shine out with bright luster, like stars when the sun has gone down, pouring heavenly light into our souls. God will then speak to us in his own words, and we shall hear his voice of love and be cheered and strengthened by the assurances he gives. We shall find among the treasured comforts the very help we need – a staff to support us in the rough path, a lamp to lighten the bit of dark road, an arm to lean upon if we are weak and faint, a hand to guide if we do not know where to go, a word of hope if we are cast down, a bosom to rest upon if we are weary and crushed, a balm of healing if our hearts are wounded or broken.
There is consolation in the Bible for every possible experience of sorrow; and if we but have the divine words laid up in our heart, we shall find them as we need them, and they will sweeten our Marahs for us. They will come to our aid at the right moment, and will prove God’s very angels to us with their light and their help.
“When the sun withdraws his light,
Lo! The stars of God are there;
Present hosts unseen till night–
Matchless, countless, silent, fair.”
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