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A Sure Support

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Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Mar 25, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 12.

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A Sure Support

By Julia H. Duffie

By Julia H. Duffie
An aged pilgrim was entering the dark valley from which no traveler returns except by the voice of the Lifegiver. The worn muscles refuse to longer obey the dictates of the will, the weary brain restfully lapses into peaceful unconsciousness, then partially recovering itself, again takes note of surroundings.
An attendant seeing that the journey’s end was near, remarked,—“The Lord has promised to be a sure support to us even unto death.” Instantly the fading face brightens with a smile as the mind grasps the sentiment, the voice exclaiming, “Praise the Lord! A sure support!” Again the thoughts peacefully rest, soon to revive again with the response, “A sure support! Praise the Lord!” And thus leaning upon the sure support of God’s promise, the weary one passes beyond human recall. What a beautiful illustration of the psalmist’s words: “Tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
Possibly the attendant did not realize how especially appropriate the words quoted were in this particular case. From boyhood the busy hands had been occupied in forming sure material supports; buildings framed by these hands more than half a century ago still bear their silent testimony to the maker’s love of having everything secure, firm. The coverings might warp and decay, but their support, the framework, remains good for another century’s wear, no swaying ridge-poles, no parting joints, everything solid and durable.
Nothing so displeasing to this lover of stability as a flimsy structure—something not strong enough for the purpose intended. And when he sought the protection for his home which man offers against accident, one can think with what satisfaction he saw the plate which the company supplied, bearing the word “Security,” fastened above his doorway. Truly this was a man who could grasp and appreciate the surety of God’s promises in this hour of need.
And is it only when passing out of this life that we need this sure support? Ah, no! we need it, and can have it every step of the way. The young need it when entering upon the uncertain pathway of life; the middle-aged need its certain help when bearing the heat and burden of the day; and when could its aid be more needed than in the declining years when earthly supports may fail? When the faltering steps and feeble eyes may not discern the way, then the sure support of God’s promises will carry the worn traveler safely through the gloom to the desired haven beyond. And is it only in the hereafter that we may feel the security of the Father’s house? No, indeed; here and now we may realize that “the eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Reader, have you found this support? You can not afford to try to do without it. Possibly man has misrepresented this support to you; perhaps some of those professing to lean upon this staff have not appeared to be very well upheld. Perchance some do not realize how well they are supported. But oh, there is a “multitude which no man can number” who can and will testify to God’s sustaining power and might in every nation, clime, and age.
David, it is said, was led through every experience possible to man, that from the emotions of his own heart, he might put into forceful and beautiful language just the assurance and consolation which would be needed by those who should after pass through these various paths. And from the penitent sinner to the triumphant victor, from the disloyalty of friends, from the jealousy, conniving, and sneers of inferiors, the misjudging of the well-meaning, the false witness of strong enemies, from every possible condition, we hear him rising with songs of praise and rejoicing for God’s final help and deliverance. What wonder that he should exclaim, “Tho an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.”
God is not a respecter of persons. The “least of these” may claim the sure support of His promises with as much confidence as did King David upon his throne. Truly with what assurance we may sing—
“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!”