The Sweet Pillow of God's Providence

He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. Psalm 106:9

"How sweet is providence to a child of God, when he can reflect upon it! He can look out into this world, and say,

'However great my troubles, they are not so great as my Father's power; however difficult may be my circumstances, yet all things around me are working together for good.

He who holds up yon unpillared arch of the starry heavens can also support my soul without a single apparent prop; he who guides the stars in the well-ordered courses, even when they seem to move in hazy dances, surely he can overrule my trials in such a way that out of confusion he will bring order; and from seeming evil produce lasting good.

He who bridles the storm, and puts the bit in the mouth of the tempest, surely he can restrain my trial, and keep my sorrows in subjection.

I need not fear while the lightnings are in his hands and the thunders sleep within his lips; while the oceans gurgle from his fist, and the clouds are in the hollow of his hands; while the rivers are turned by his foot, and while he diggeth the channels of the sea.

Surely, he whose might wings an angel, can furnish a worm with strength; he who guides a cherub will not be overcome by the trials of an emmet [ant] like myself.

He who makes the most ponderous orb roll in dignity, and keeps its predestined orbit, can make a little atom like myself move in my proper course, and conduct me as he pleaseth.'

Christian! there is no sweeter pillow than providence; and when providence seemeth adverse, believe it still, lay it under thy head, for depend upon it there is comfort in its bosom. There is hope for thee, child of God!"

(Sermon, Charles H. Spurgeon. Sunday, March 30, 1856, New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.)