HE KNOWS by M. C. DuBois

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 11, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 37.

HE KNOWS.

By M. C. DuBois

MRS. O. was passing through a time of trial—trials from without and trials from within. She had but lately become the wife of Mr. O., and she found the position of stepmother very perplexing. It was evening; her heart was heavy, her feet weary. She was tempted to believe she had made a sad mistake in taking upon herself the duties and responsibilities of a stepmother, altho she had earnestly sought divine guidance before doing so. Trials she had not thought of met her; trials sharp and cruel sprang up before her, until in anguish of spirit she cried out to God for grace to endure.

On this particular evening she felt more cast down than usual, as, Bible in hand, she sought her own room for a ray of light and comfort from the divine Word. “Doth not He see my ways, and count all ‘my steps?’” (Job 31:4) were the words her eyes rested upon. They were like healing balm to her aching heart, and brought peace and comfort to her troubled soul. For a time she had forgotten that God’s eye was upon her, watching over her in love, and that He saw her way, and counted her weary steps. What a comfort in the thought that He knew her faithfulness; He marked her self-denials; He knew every perplexity; and His loving hand was guiding, after all.

It came to her that she needed just the discipline she was receiving. God was leading aright. With renewed courage she went about her work the next day, determined to overcome difficulties, and to do every duty faithfully; for did He not know her way, and count every step she took?

Dear reader, is not this thought comforting to you? It is to me. How often we become discouraged over the trials by the way. There are privations, disappointments in various ways, and lack of appreciation to be endured; we are misjudged, found fault with, falsehoods are spoken against us, and the like; but never mind; He knows. Let this thought bring courage and peace: “Doth not He see my ‘ways, and count all my steps?’” We have abundant evidence in the Word that God knows all about us. The hairs of our head are numbered. He knows our name, and where we live. His eyes are upon us; His ears are open to our call; His hands are filled with blessings to drop upon our pathway.

Tired, perplexed mothers, let these truths comfort and strengthen you in your daily round of household duties. You could not tell the many steps you have taken to-day; but God counts them. Be cheered, and press on in the way of life. There is not a care but that Jesus is near to help.

O, that we would make the presence of Christ a living reality in the home, a present help in the cares and perplexities of every-day life. But we bear our burdens too much alone. We read that the disciples “went and told Jesus.” This is our blessed privilege to-day; and why are we so slow to learn the precious lesson? Dear wife and mother, why not go and tell Jesus all about that secret heartache, that trial, which at times seems more than you can bear? O, be comforted; He knows your ways, and counts your steps.

Do not try to bear your burdens alone. Christ is waiting to help you. Yes, He invites, entreats you to cast your burdens upon Him, with the assurance that “He careth” for you, for me. Praise His name.

M. C. DuBois.

Grand Lodge, Mich.