Section 4
these circumstances give rise more to anxiety than to happiness. It seems that sorrow always lasts longer than happiness. There may be a short pe riod of happiness and then a much longer time of sorrow, worry, or anxiety.
What is God's purpose in assigning circum stances to us which cause anxiety? According to Romans 8, in addition to redemption and the indwelling Spirit, we need "all things." Verse 28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to the purpose." To be sure, included in "all things" are sufferings, anxieties, and worries. In order for God to perfect us, sufferings are necessary. From our experience we know that virtually every matter included in "all things" involves anxiety.
THE TOTALITY OF HUMAN LIFE
AND OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
As an elderly person, I have passed through a great many experiences in human life. Under the sovereign hand of the Lord, I have been in a great many different circumstances. I have known poverty, and I have known what it is to have my needs supplied. I can testify that in all the