Spiritual Gems of Elizabeth Ann Seton: Confidence in God
Lord, here I am! -- the creature of Thy will, rejoicing that Thou wilt lead, thankful that Thou wilt choose for me. Let me be Thy own in life and death.
He is with me, and what can I fear?... I look neither behind nor before, only up.
Looking up steadily spares the pain, both of retrospection and anticipation.
To Him be glory forever who has called you to so glorious a combat and who so tenderly supports you through it. You will triumph, for it is Jesus who fights, not you, my dear one.
He will not leave you one moment, nor suffer the least harm to approach you. Not one tear shall fall to the ground, nor one sigh of love be lost.
And in every disappointment, great or small, let your dear heart fly directly to Him, your Savior, throwing yourself into His arms for refuge against every pain and sorrow. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
To commit ourselves to Him for strength and refuge is the only relief from thoughts which would overpower the mind that did not resist them.
He knows all our weakness and the failings of our hearts. As a father pities his own children, He pities us, and has Himself declared that he never will forsake the soul that confides in His name.
Oh, my heavenly Father, I know that these contradicting events are permitted and guided by Thy wisdom, which alone is light.
Our God is God. I am the happiest creature in the thought that not the least thing can happen but by His will and permission.
"Thy will be done." What a comfort those four little words are to my soul. I have repeated them until they are softened to the sweetest harmony. We are in Darkness, and must be thankful that our knowledge is not needed to perfect Thy work.
