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YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWETH

“Be not anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, with what shall we be clothed? for after all these things do the Gentiles seek; and your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”—Matt. 6:31,32

How happy and free from anxious care are the hours of childhood. Perfect trust in parental wisdom and love casts out all fear. In the absence of pride and the worldly and selfish ambitions which develop in later years, childhood makes the best of whatever circumstances it may be placed in, and meets every circumstance with a determination to find some good and some enjoyment in it. How many need to turn back to the simplicity of their earlier years.

Why should we be anxious about anything when our Heavenly Father knoweth our need? To be anxious about our temporal affairs, is to be overcharged, and Jesus warns us, saying, “Be not overcharged with the cares of this life.” But while he would not have us anxious or over-charged, he would not have us disregard the responsibilities of our maturer years. Our first, principal object in life should be to seek the kingdom of heaven, to seek to make our calling and election sure by following in our Leader’s footsteps. This implies the taking of necessary time to search the Scriptures and to digest the instruction given.

In these times, and especially in this country, where business competition pushes all to the extent of their physical strength and the occupation of every hour, it requires considerable determination to draw the line and say to business and the various responsibilities pressing upon us, Thus far shalt thou go and no farther. But having determined the line of duty, in childlike faith and simplicity we may dismiss all anxiety, remembering that our Heavenly Father knoweth our needs. MRS. C. T. R.

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— March, 1885 —