Vast numbers of Christians are being tried as they never were before. As I write, many are in the fighting line, whilst mothers, wives, sisters, children, sit at home worn with anxious suspense as they realize their loved ones are in constant danger.
Besides all this, Christians in London and district, and on the east coast of England are within the danger zone. Many known to the writer have witnessed the recent raids and testify to their terrifying nature.
Now such a time as this is a testing-time and brings out whether we are really trusting in the Lord’s care or not. In times of peace and quiet we can talk about the Lord’s care, a Father’s watchful love, and think we realize it, but when the test comes it proves the quality of our faith in God.
Two Christian women were talking together. One said to the other, “I have got a very comforting text, which helps me much:
“‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee’ (Ps. 56:3).”
The other Christian replied, “I have got a better text than that:
“‘I will trust, and not be afraid’ (Isa. 12:2).”
Well, we would not compare one text with another where all are from God’s Word, and the expression of His people’s confidence in Him, and as such comforting. There is the infirmity of human nature, and in this our great High Priest has sympathy, and no one need chide himself or herself if a certain amount of fear and apprehension possess the heart during those times of stress, if only in the fear there is a turning to the Lord to find a refuge in Him. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Happy man, happy woman, who has this experience; happier still if this leads to a deeper acquaintance with God so that in quiet confidence in Him they can really say, “I will trust and not be afraid.” For let us remember that it is also written, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will surely garrison that heart and mind that is careful for nothing, but which in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving makes its requests known to God (Phil. 4:6-7).
As our great High Priest, our risen Lord bears our names on His shoulders of power, and in His heart of love. He represents us on high, ministering sympathy, succour, and help, and He is sufficient for all circumstances.