"I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONE ELSE." Before God, man is nothing, yea, less than nothing. The counsel of man is often weak and foolish, his knowledge being incomplete, and his mind imperfect. But the counsel of the Lord is infinite wisdom, sustained by omnipotent power. Men's purposes are often determined by evil influences, or when the mind is confused and perplexed; but the purposes of God were determined by the eternal mind in wisdom, justice, grace, holiness, truth, and love. Men's counsels are often frustrated, but God's purposes never. Men's purposes are frequently defeated, but our God worketh all things after the counsel of His perfect will. His counsel includes all that is essential to our eternal welfare; His purposes embrace all the events of this transitory life: therefore we ought not to be unduly affected by anything which takes place around us. There may be confusion, conflict, injustice, oppression, but our God who determines His way through whirlwind and storm, says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Remember, beloved, our God is at work always and everywhere. He doth perfectly according to His immutable will in heaven, earth, and hell; and He says to us, "Be still and know that I am God."

For Meditation:
God will for all my wants provide,
And save me for His mercy's sake;
Me by His counsel He will guide,
And afterwards to glory take.