May 24

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. — Heb 12:11

I cannot say,
Beneath the pressure of life’s cares to-day,
I joy in these;
But I can say
That I had rather walk this rugged way,
If Him it please.
—S. G. BROWNING.

The particular annoyance which befell you this morning; the vexatious words which met your ear and “grieved” your spirit; the disappointment which was His appointment for to-day; the slight but hindering ailment; the presence of some one who is “a grief of mind” to you,—whatever this day seemeth not joyous, but grievous, is linked in “the good pleasure of His goodness” with a corresponding afterward of “peaceable fruit,” the very seed from which, if you only do not choke it, this shall spring and ripen.
—F. R. HAVERGAL.