What short-sighted creatures we often are! We think we see the end when
we are only viewing the beginning. We get our telescope out sometimes to
look to the future, and we breathe on the glass with the hot breath of
our anxiety, and then we think we see clouds and darkness before us. If
we are in trouble, we see
“Every day new straits attend,
And wonder where the scene will end.”
Nay; we conclude that it must end in our destruction. We imagine “God
hath forgotten to be gracious.” We think “He hath in anger shut up the
bowels of compassion.” Oh, this short-sightedness! When you and I ought
to believe in God; when we ought to look at the heaven which awaiteth
us, and the glory for which these light afflictions are preparing us;
when we ought to be looking through the cloud to the eternal sun which
never knows an eclipse; when we should be resting on the invisible arm
of the immortal God, and triumphing in His love, we are mourning and
distrusting. God forgive us for this, and enable us henceforth to look
not at our troubles, but above them, even to Him who, with infinite
wisdom and love, is guiding us, and has promised to bring us safely
through.