was content in all circumstances (4:11). While incarcerated he was thrown back upon the resources of God. Sometime ago it was my privilege to counsel a woman about a certain problem in her life. She explained her situation and then we prayed about it together. It was her per sonal testimony that the difficulties she faced had thrown her back on the Lord. She was learning more about depending on Him rather than on herself. This is what the Psalmist discovered, too (Psalm 4:1). Trouble is as universal as hu man nature. Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. It is no re specter of people. In the spiritual warfare in which are now en gaged as children of God we must stand our ground through faith. Many who present to the world outside a fair and unruffled surface are actually experiencing deep trouble within. "The sound of the army of the troubled never ceases, morning, noon, and night." Trouble comes without a trumpet warning; it is always unexpected. Paul shows us that his extremities were noth ing more than God's opportunities to show His power and strength. The Psalmist cried out, "It is good for me to draw near unto God. I have put my trust in the Lord that I may declare all thy works." Are you willing to call upon the Lord in the time of trouble? This is what the Apostle Paul did, and God gave Him the victory. See what He is willing to do in your life as well. Trust Him for your need today.
OUR PILOT and OUR KEEL Our lives are like a ship upon the stormy sea of life, The Lord is our great Pilot at the wheel; His peace is ours, though in the midst of peril, tempest, strife, The cross is still our emblem; sacred seal. Our cargo is God's holy Word, which saves and too, can heal; For centuries, it has all need sufficed. Our vessel is in line with and cemented to the keel, Which is (with God's big family) the Christ. Our Pilot calls across life's stormy waters— "SHIP AHOY! There's rest in my fair harbor, come and see! All ye weak and heavy laden, I will give you peace and joy; I am the only Way—Come now to me!" —Esther B. Heins
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