We are entering upon a new year—surely we cannot but believe, a new age. If we have rightly learned the lessons of the past, there lies before us a heritage of unspeakable blessing, which none of these vivid metaphors can too strongly describe; infinite sources of blessing, for the fountains and waterbrooks are but the figures of God’s illimitable grace. For with Him is the fountain of life.

A Fountain Fed by Eternal Springs!

They tell us of boundless supply: “Bread without scarceness” (Deuteronomy 8:9 KJV), the olive oil that speaks of the Holy Ghost, the honey that tells of the sweetness of His love, and the pomegranates that are the seed fruit, which speak of a life that reproduces itself in the blessing of others.

They tell of the “nether springs,” which flow from the depths of sorrow in the hard places, in the desert places, in the lone places, in the common places which seem farthest from all that is sacred and Divine.

How delightful it is to have His gladness in the low places of sorrow, and to be able to glory even in tribulation also.

They tell us of pleasures that come out of the very heart of trial, treasures wrung from the grasp of the enemy.

How precious the springs that flow into the places of temptation, for there is nothing in life so trying as the touch of Satan’s hand and the breath of the destroyer. Oh, how sweet it is, even there, to find that the light is as deep as the shadow, and heaven is nearest when we are hard by the gates of hell, so that we can count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations and can say, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12 KJV).

How blessed to drink from the springs of health and find our strength renewed day by day and the life of God flowing into even our physical organs and functions!

“All my fresh springs are in thee!”

Beloved, God has for us these springs, and we need them every day. Let us drink of the living waters. Nay, let us receive them into our very hearts so that we shall carry the fountain with us wherever we go. A. B. SIMPSON

We shall never be “springs” until God comes to us. We shall never be fresh or fruitful or useful to others till God comes to us. If we do not have constant visitations of God, we shall soon cease to be “springs,” and shall go back to the old dry and barren days. HELENA GARRATT

Let us claim our inheritance in these coming days, and find the hardest places of life’s experience God’s greatest opportunities and faith’s mightiest challenge.

Springs in the valley are very unusual; but He will give us both the upper and the nether springs!

When thou has eaten and are full, . . . thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God.—One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.—He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks.—The blessing of the Lord , it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Bless the Lord , O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord , O my soul, . . . who forgiveth all thine iniquities; . . . who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.