The more Christhke we are, the more certainly shall we incur the dislike and hatred of men. Only let us take care that they hate us, not on account of our personal peculiarities and pretensions,

Christ is often speaking. In the secret chamber of the heart, in the darkness of the night, in the shadowed room of ‘pain and sorrow, in the room which holds all that is mortal of our beloved, hear his voice. It may be in dark sayings, but they are “the dark sayings on a harp,” of which the psalmist sings. There are music, tenderness, love-notes in these dark sayings. And our hearts can receive lasting impressions in the dark.

Remember that in all your anxiety and pain, the Father is near. His presence encloses you in its gentle, holy embrace. You are of value to him, of more value than you can count, because you were purchased with the precious blood of Christ.