* His CIRCLE ..

"Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him" (Psalm 32: 10).
"WHAT a happy privilege it is to trust One who is completely trustworthy, One who knows exactly what is best for us personally, One whose love surrounds us in all cicumstances.

The source of much that comes our way in life may be evil. We cannot say that God causes the unkind acts of others or even natural disasters and sickness. BUT nothing reaches the person who really trusts the Lord without coming through the surrounding shield of His unfailing love ( * or, being lovingly sifted first through His hands - mine interpretation.k. ). BY the time it reaches the trusting soul, it is God's perfect will for that life. THIS gives the Christian a calm acceptance and a peace about which the unbeliever knows nothing.

MANY years ago at the Missionary Training Institute (now Nyack College), Professor Harold M. Freligh would often draw a circle on the blackboard, then place a dot in the middle and quote this short poem:

In the center of the circle
Of the will of God I stand.
THERE can be no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.

IT has been interesting to find that many of his students remember this more than any other one thing about his teaching.

HOW encouraging to know that "all things," NOT just some things," work together for good to those who love God (*MORE THAN CONQUERERS: "AND we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28 NIV Study Bible/The New International Version Study Bible). HOW comforting to know that God's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him!" HELEN JULIAN