Guide, September 23

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.—Psalm 25:4JNN 281.1

The Lord says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble” (Psalm 50:15). He invites us to present to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications.JNN 281.2

Often those who suffer reproach or persecution for their faith are tempted to think themselves forsaken by God. In the eyes of men and women they are in the minority. To all appearance their enemies triumph over them. But let them not violate their conscience. He who has suffered in their behalf, and has borne their sorrows and afflictions, has not forsaken them.JNN 281.3

The children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer has “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire”—we shall know what it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith—“turneth to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:33, 34).JNN 281.4

If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper” (Psalm 72:12).JNN 281.5

The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 172, 173.JNN 281.6

Further Reflection: I can “never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision.” If this is true, why do I become anxious when facing difficult circumstances?JNN 281.7