February 18

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes. — Ps 119:71

But though He cause grief yet will He have compassion, according to the multitude of His mercies. — Lam 3:32

And yet these days of dreariness are sent us from above;
They do not come in anger, but in faithfulness and love;
They come to teach us lessons which bright ones could not yield, And to leave us blest and thankful when their purpose is fulfilled. —ANON.

Heed not distressing thoughts when they rise ever so strongly in thee; nay, though they have entered thee, fear them not, but be still awhile, not believing in the power which thou feelest they have over thee, and it will fall on a sudden. It is good for thy spirit, and greatly to thy advantage, to be much and variously exercised by the Lord. Thou dost not know what the Lord hath already done, and what He is yet doing for thee therein. —I. PENINGTON.

Why should I start at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no idle husbandman, He purposeth a crop.
—S. RUTHERFORD.