Resting in God’s Providence

The consideration of God’s order, which he uses about the means, which are instruments of his providence, may well strengthen every Christian in all his necessities. When we are in any special need our hearts are to be much cumbered because we see not God to afford us those means, which we esteem to be helpful to us in our need: but could we once thoroughly consider this order of God about the means, we should win great rest unto our minds thereout. Mark it well, I pray you, had we been at the first creation of things, we should have been also much cumbered about many of them, fearing they would have well fell out, considering the outward conveyance which God used therein, but we see how gloriously the Lord perfected all the work: so likewise if we could now let the Lord alone and commit out ways only unto him, he would certainly bring it to pass, Psalm 37:5, and cause all things at the last to turn to the best unto us, Rom 8:28, even as he hath made it known in many occurrences happening in the life of his children. Know we not that in the thing which most afflicted Jacob, namely, the loss of his son Joseph, was wound up his chief blessing (though he knew it not) as the issue manifested? Therefore, our duty is always, as anything falls out contrary to our minds, thus to think: God is wonderful in his ways, there may any unexpected blessing lie hid herein; and thereupon should we be moved to possess our souls in patience, till it pleaseth him to bring all things to light, that serve for our comfort. And here we may well say that to our souls of God, which Naomi said of Boaz to Ruth: Still still, O my soul, till thou know how the matter will fall, for the Lord will not rest till he hath brought it to an end. [Ruth 3:18]
—William Teelinck “The Resting Place of the Mind”