I Know Thy Works

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 14, 1872

“I KNOW THY WORKS.”—In all our changeful life there is no hiding-place where our Saviour cannot find us. Alike in the clear, bright sunshine, or in the darkening gloom of the winter storm, his eye is over his people, and his infinite knowledge weighs them in the balance. When the hill is steep, and briars and thorns grow up its steep ascent, he is watching the weary flock, and helps and pities them, as they strain up the mountain-side. When the road lies through velvet lawns, and beside peaceful waters, the Shepherd gazes tenderly, yet fearfully, upon them, for these are the “Enchanted Grounds,” where there is danger that the pilgrim fall into a fatal sleep.

Jesus knows the works of his people. He knows whether they are walking on the skirts of the dread forest of the world, or whether they are earnestly striving after a closer union to himself. He knows when they extend a helping hand to the pale children of sorrow, and when they shut their ears to the cry of the desolate. Their motives are all open before him. Men judge by results. Christ sees the secret spring.

Let the thought that our Maker knows our works stimulate us to do and dare for him. When the spirit is weary in well doing, let it lift its eyes to Jesus, who went about doing good. In the hour of prayer let it take encouragement, because He who knows of its secret wrestlings will hear and sustain. Upborne by the everlasting arms, and looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith, let us press on to the joy that is set before us.—Christian Intelligencer.