"All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13).

It is a blessed thing to know that we "have to do" with God (Heb. 4:13). If we are seeking
happiness, where shall we find it, except in God? He is not only the source of our blessing, but
the blessing itself.

Once we really come to know God, we will know Him as love (1 John 4:8). Then, knowing that
everything comes to us from Him_no matter what the circumstances_we interpret all by His
love. I may be called on to pass through pain and sorrow and trial as part of His discipline; but
everything that comes from God comes from a source and spring in which I have confidence. I
look, through the circumstances, to Him, and nothing can separate me from His love.

Where God is but little known, and where there is not therefore confidence in His love, there will
be murmuring and rebellion at circumstances. In such a case, the sense of having to do with God
will cause more fear than gladness.

Is it not true that we often stop, practically, at the circumstances in which we find ourselves placed
and consider only our feelings and judgment about them? This is a proof that our souls are not
living in the fullness of communion with God. That with which we should be occupied is, not the
circumstances, but what God intends by them.

There may be some secret evil working in my heart of which I am as yet unaware. Then God
sends some circumstance that discovers to me the evil in order that it may be put away. Is not this
a blessing? The circumstance does not create the evil which it excites; it only acts upon what it
finds to be in my heart and makes it manifest. The evil being discovered, circumstances are all
forgotten; God’s end alone is seen.

If there are circumstances that try and perplex our hearts, let us ask the question, "What is God
up to with me?" The moment the soul finds itself in communion with God about the circumstances,
all is well.

(From Collected Writings, Vol. 16.)