Dear Friend, A couple of days back, I woke up with the lyrics of a seldom-sung hymn,”Though Troubles Assail,”at the leading edge of my mind. Hymns are a regular buddy, and pertinent lyrics frequently increase to the surface area without much mindful idea. This leads me to question: If I had resided in a various location or time, would I rather have been interested by something else, like science or astronomy? If so, might I have discovered myself awakening to ideas of the table of elements of aspects or the motion of the spheres? In God’s providence, my course was picked. My quick interest in physics and chemistry started and ended when the contents of the chemistry set I got as a Christmas present spilled and ruined the eiderdown on my bed. Years later, my school transcript included this unforgettable line composed by my instructor: “Alistair has actually chosen that physics is not for him, and he is extremely firm in his choice.”
I digress.
“Though Troubles Assail” was among some 280 hymns composed by John Newton. He was the one-time slave-trading captain whom God transformed and who later on ended up being an Anglican minister. His conversion ought to be a significant motivation to every moms and dad who is lured to stop wishing a roaming daughter or son. God assisted Newton through numerous storms and threats, allowing him to affirm to the Lord’s incredible grace.
Here, then, are some lines from the hymn:
Though problems attack,
And risks affright;
Though pals ought to all stop working,
And opponents all unify,
Yet something protects us,
Whatever betide:
The Scripture guarantees us,
“The Lord will supply.”
The occasions of current weeks have actually triggered me to rest on the providence of God. It is a humbling advantage to participate in the pleasures and sadness of each other’s lives. As a pastor, I have a special viewpoint, because when I keep an eye out upon the churchgoers, I understand that some are ill, and some are unfortunate, and some have actually never ever enjoyed God well, and some appear to have actually lost the love they as soon as had. We are all in requirement of the tip to “bear one another’s problems” and, in doing so, to show the love of Christ.
Whatever situations we are dealing with, as I compose and you read this letter, let’s advise one another that “the Lord God Omnipotent rules!” It does not constantly appear so, however it is so. Once again I am advised of these soothing words: God’s providence is a soft pillow. Might our souls discover rest in Him alone.
With my love in the Lord Jesus,
Alistair
