Direct Minds to God
In nature something may always be found to divert the attention of the sick from themselves and direct their thoughts to God. Surrounded by His wonderful works, their minds are uplifted from the things that are seen to the things that are unseen. The beauty of nature leads them to think of the heavenly home, where there will be nothing to mar the loveliness, nothing to taint or destroy, nothing to cause disease or death.MHH 146.4
Let physicians and nurses draw lessons from nature that teach about God. Let them point the patients to Him whose hand has made the lofty trees, the grass, and the flowers. Encourage them to see in every bud and flower an expression of God’s love for His children. He who cares for the birds and the flowers will care for the beings formed in His own image.MHH 146.5
Out of doors, amid the things that God has made, breathing fresh, health-giving air, the sick can best be told of the new life in Christ. Here God’s Word can be read. Here the light of Christ’s righteousness can shine into hearts darkened by sin.MHH 146.6
Oh, could I find, from day to day,
A nearness to my God,
Then would my hours glide sweet away,
While leaning on His word.
Lord, I desire with Thee to live
Anew from day to day,
In joys the world can never give,
Nor ever take away.
Blest Jesus, come, and rule my heart,
And make me wholly Thine,
That I may nevermore depart,
Nor grieve Thy love divine.
MHH 146.7
—Benjamin Cleveland.MHH 147.1
Men and women who need physical and spiritual healing are to be brought into contact with those whose words and acts will draw them to Christ. They are to be brought under the influence of the great Medical Missionary who can heal both soul and body. They are to hear the story of the Savior’s love, of the pardon freely provided for all who come to Him confessing their sins.MHH 147.2
Under such influences as these, many suffering ones will be guided into the way of life. Angels of heaven cooperate with human instrumentalities in bringing encouragement and hope, joy and peace, to the hearts of the sick and suffering. Under such conditions the sick are doubly blessed, and many find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eye regains its brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of joy. The complaining tones of the voice give place to tones of cheerfulness and content.MHH 147.3
As physical health is regained, men and women are better able to exercise that faith in Christ which secures the health of the soul. In the consciousness of sins forgiven there is inexpressible peace and joy and rest. The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. The words express the belief, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Psalm 46:1; 23:4; Isaiah 40:29.MHH 147.4
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine;
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine.
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
MHH 147.5
—Ray Palmer.MHH 148.1