"If the outlook be dark, try the uplook." Good advice this for the sad and sorrowful in the day of difficulty.
We look around and see the effects of sin on every hand; suffering and trial are known by those who love the Lord, even as by others who love Him not. Looking forward, there seems no way of deliverance.
"Broken, lies creation,
Shaken, earth's foundation,
Anchorless, each nation."
Little wonder is it if men's hearts are "failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." That which seemed sure and stable is tottering to its fall. The day when all things shall be shaken appears to have reached its dawn.
Disruption of kingdoms, disturbance of republics, discontent among the peoples on every side. Where shall the Christian turn? He seems walled around with difficulties. His "flesh" and his "heart" fail. At such seasons of perplexity he is happy truly in being among the children of God, for of them it is written, "His children shall have a place of refuge." Yes, "God Himself is a refuge for us." "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him." Psa. 62:8. There is our resource! "The devil can wall us round; he cannot roof us in," it has been said quaintly by one, and another has put it:
If you want to be distracted—
look around.
If you want to be miserable—
look within.
If you want to be happy—
look up.
"The uplook" is clear, however storm-clouds may lower about us. God IS, and He is for His own. All that He is, is for us. To Him we can turn in confidence. Never has He failed one of His own. Never will He forsake the least of those who trust in Him.
His power and wisdom and love are as three pillows upon which we can place our weary heads amid the clashing and crashing of things present or of things to come.
"The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?"
First published as Songs for the Night Seasons by Inglis Fleming. New York: Loizeaux Bros., [n.d.]. Republished as Songs for Sorrow and Suffering by Bible Truth Publishers, 59 Industrial Road, Addison, IL 60101.
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