May 22God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind — 2 Tim. 1:7.
The spirit of the Lord imparted to His people is not a spirit of fear, but on the contrary a spirit of power, energy, zeal awakened by love—loving devotion to God, and a desire to please and serve Him; loving devotion to the Truth, and a loving devotion to God's people and a desire to build them up in holy things, and to do good unto all men as we have opportunity—the spirit of a "sound mind"—a mind that is fortified and strengthened by the Word of the Lord on every subject, and hence, while thoroughly fearless of man, is wise in judging of times, seasons and methods for using the energy of love which burns as a fire within the consecrated heart—Z '97, 170 (R 2165). As the spirit of fear is a timid disposition, so the spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind is the disposition of power, of love and of wisdom, i.e., a strong, loving and wise disposition. God rids us of a timid disposition by His Spirit, Word and providences, as well as thereby gives us a disposition like His own, in which wisdom, justice, love and power blend in beautiful harmony. Praise be to God for such a gift!—P '30, 78. Parallel passages: Josh. 1:5-9; Rom. 8:15; Isa. 51:12, 13; Acts 1:8; 6:8; Eph. 1:19, 20; 1 Cor. 1:24-28; 2 Cor. 12:9; Psa. 18:1; 31:23; John 14:15, 21, 24; 13:34, 35; 15:12-15, 17; 1 Cor. 13; Matt. 7:24, 25; 25:1-9; 15:14; 16:19; Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 3:10, 16; Jas. 3:13. Hymns: 95, 13, 44, 346, 266, 165, 272. Poems of Dawn, 105: My Times are in Thy Hand. Tower Reading: Z '12, 279 (R 5093). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to this text? How were they met? To what did they lead? |
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MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND
PSALM 31:15.
FATHER, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me;
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see:
But I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.
I ask Thee for a thankful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
To wipe the weeping eyes,
And a heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.
I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be dealt with as a child,
And guided where to go.
I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied;
And a mind to blend with outward life,
While keeping at Thy side,
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.
PSALM 31:15.
FATHER, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me;
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see:
But I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.
I ask Thee for a thankful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
To wipe the weeping eyes,
And a heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.
I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be dealt with as a child,
And guided where to go.
I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied;
And a mind to blend with outward life,
While keeping at Thy side,
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.