in all things, may abound unto all good works” (II Cor. 9:8). We need never fear physical harm for our God has promised his protect ing presence and sustaining grace for every situation life may offer. We are told to rejoice in suffering (I Pet. 4: 12, 13), and that not only will He be with us but also through our trials He will perfect us, stablish us, strengthen and settle us to His own glory (I Pet- 5:10). As high priest He will minister to us in the midst of our infirmities (Heb. 4:16). Can we ask more than this? We need never to feel that we are not accepted, for we are “members of His body.” How wonderful to be “one” with our fellow believers in Ghnst (I Cor. 12:27). “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (I John 3:14, 16, 23), and they in turn love and accept us. Emotional insecurity can result in many harmful things. Worry may cause anxiety which, when prolonged, will give rise to severe physical symp toms because of the demands it makes upon our bodies. Anxiety, due to in security, may result in sleeplessness. This may result in loss of appetite, or the other extreme, obesity, due to com pulsive overeating. Many other serious emotional disorders may follow. As parents it is vital that we be conscious of our children’s need for security. They must have the reassurance of our love and concern. This comes through proper discipline as well other tokens a specific affection. Actually, without discipline, children do not develop a feeling of security. Dr. Charles L. Allen tells of a group of orphaned children who, following World War II, were gathered up by American personnel in Europe and placed in large dormitory style resi dences for care. They were adequately supervised, fed and clothed. But irre- gardless of this, they would not get them to sleep without restlessness and anxiety. Finally, it was suggested that they put the children to bed with a slice of bread in their hands. It was not
Prayer (cont.) Glory” (Phil. 4:19). Our Lord Himself said, “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Again He says, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body; what ye shall put on. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, Shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith, for your heavenly Father know eth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:25-34). One of God’s names, “Jehovah Jireh” means, “the Lord will provide.” Scripture makes it plain that our God is a plentiful God. He is plenteous in mercy, to supply our every need. He is a knowing God, mindful of our every need, large or small, physical or spirit ual. We know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. As the Creator, He knows our frames, and remembers that we are but dust. Scripture also at tests to the fact that he is a providing God, One who delights to bestow good things upon his children. “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11). We need not feel unwanted for God has said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37), “Ye are bought with a price” (I Cor. 6:17, 18), and again, that as sheep He securely folds us and leads us, for He is indeed the good Shepherd who cares for His own (John 10). We need never feel abandoned, though we may be separated from loved ones by thousands of miles. Even death holds no bands for our Lord has told us, “I am with you alway” (Matt. 28:20). We need never fear being deprived of the necessities of life, for the Scrip ture reminds us that He is “able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye always, having all sufficiency
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