J.A. Matteson
Beware of trusting in the gifts rather than the Giver of gifts, it is a snare and only leads to despair. Commonly a repressed people place their hope and trust in he who appears able to rescue them from their plight. This is folly and chasing the wind. For the LORD alone exalts one man and debases another according to the good pleasure of His will. "I will say to the LORD, 'my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!'" (Ps. 91:2). Delight in the gifts of God, but hope in the LORD only. Be glad in the pleasing providential developments of the LORD, but grant to Him His sovereign place to work things according to His purposes. With diligence and skill perform your task with all your might, but place the fruit of your labor at the foot of the cross as an offering pleasing to the LORD, and find in Him satisfaction and rest. The LORD performs His redemptive purposes, seek Him and His will in all things and He will give rest for your soul.
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