THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE.

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

APRIL 12

 

Acts 21:14

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, 

The will of the Lord be done. 

 
If God is love, if his promises are true, 

  if he is faithful to his word, 

  if his will is influenced by justice and mercy, holiness and love 

  if he only wills what is for our good and for his own glory,

     ought we not daily to use this language? 

Should not wishing give way to acquiescence? 

His wisdom is infinite, and he wills wisely.
 
His heart is set upon our welfare, and he works with this object in view.
 
Still we want our way.
 
We fancy that something else would be better than that which is.
 
We cast dishonour upon the skill, the kindness, and the truth of our God.
 
What folly is this!
 
Most of our anguish springs from our wilfulness. Our distressed are generated by our opposition to God.
 
We daily pray, “Thy will be done.”
 
We often walk of the excellency and perfection of the will of God, and yet if our wills are crossed, if our fortitude is tried, if our professions are put to the test we either fret and complain, or sink in fears and gloom.
 
Believers, God wills thy holiness—thy true happiness—thy everlasting welfare.
 
Give up then at once, and strive to say at all seasons.
 
“The will of the Lord be done.”
 

Thy favour all my journey through,

Thou art engaged to grant;

What else I want, or think I do,

‘Tis better still to want.

 
James Smith