SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 372, 26 November 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

THE HAND OF GOD. " WE ARE IN fJOD's HAND." When you want to carrv some trcasur e very carefully and tenderly you put it in one hand and cover it over with the other. Even such, we are told, is G.jd's fender care of us. "The hcirt of the king " says Solomon (aud we may believe also that of the huml>le«t snhj ct) " is in the hand of the Lord " and through both Moses and Isaiah (rod symbolizes His protection of His people with the words " I will cover thee with my hand." Jesus speaking of the security of being a sheep in His fold and of His love as a Shepherd, reaches His climax by saying "My Father which has given them is greater than all and uo one is able to snatch them out of My Father's Hand." If we could but realize the peace and security of knowing that we are in God's hand ! We can never enjoy this blessedness till we have learut from our hearts to say "Thy will be done." Complete comprehension of the will of God and absolute harmony with it " is what we want. Surrendering our own wills ! " Not my will but Thine be done." That " flis will is our peace " is a fact and true it is that " in submission is rest." It is only when we are struggling against our circumstances, trying " to kick against the pricks " that we can know no peace. The bird sinus not till it has ceased to beat against the bars of its cage.

Then only are we cafe—iu God's hand -safe for time and for eternity ; no storms of adversity can hurt us " Our life is hid wir.li Christ iu (rod " No one can harm us ; we fear not those who can only kill the body but say with Epiotetus " You may kill me but you canuot harm me!" Shielded and protected we arc safe in God's hand whose grasp is so immense that it is said of Him " He hath measure! the waters in the hollow of His hand " and yet whose care is so minute that Daniel declared speaking to one who acknowledged Him not " In whose hand thy breath is." David says "Thou hast laid Thine hand upon me " Do we not know the hand touch of a true friend is often more to us than volumes of spoken sympathy, and also how a mother's touch will restrain her child without a word being needed. s ' So do we need to keep ever "in touch with God." Oh ! wouderful thought indeed that such a close relationship is possible. Only unresisted sin can come between us and God. " Who can separate us from the love of Christ " says St. Paul " shall tribulation or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword ?" Again " the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save " Our Gol is all-powerful; "His hand is stretched out still to save and protect those who trust in Him." (F)