The question may arise, Why will not God give us the things which He sees us to need without our making petition to Him and claiming His promises? Undoubtedly because we need previously to come into the proper attitude of heart to receive His favors and to be advantaged by them. Even as it is, we may be sure that we do not sufficiently appreciate the Divine care bestowed upon us hitherto and now. Even in the attitude of prayer and thanksgiving we probably do not discern one-half of our causes for gratitude, as we shall see them by and by, when we shall know even as we are known.
Anxiety fits a Christian as little as distrust of mother-love becomes a child. In the heart where reliance on God reigns, and thankfulness for many favors received sits enthroned, worry can find no lodgment. The child of God knows that for his every need he has a responsive Father, who is ever accessible to His suppliant children; therefore, in telling his needs to his Father, he drives away anxious care.
Psa. 127:2; Matt. 6:25-34; 13:22; Luke 21:34; 1 Cor. 7:32, 33; 2 Tim. 2:4; Psa. 37:5; 55:22; Prov. 16:3; Jer. 17:7, 8; Heb. 13:5; 1 Pet. 5:6, 7; Gen. 32:24-29; 1 Sam. 12:23; Psa. 86:3, 6; 130:1, 2; Col. 4:2; Matt. 15:22-28; Luke 18:1-7; 22:44; Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18; Heb. 5:7, 8.
