The Lord's ways are very wonderful, and He knows what we do not. His heart and His government, perfect in wisdom, are the rest for our hearts, and give a peace which no understanding of His ways could ever give. So in Philippians -iv., Himself is our portion; and precious as are all His ways, they are only means for our getting to know Himself and resting in the love which is beyond all the blessing which flows from it, and which finds its full expression in the cross.
" I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward," He said to Abraham. It was not what He gave, but Himself, the giver. And it was this that Abraham had to learn, in order to become practically the " friend" it was God's intention to make him. Blessing given along the way was the occasion of exercising his heart, and leading him gradually to personal acquaintance with the Blesser. But his heart, was not to stop at the blessing; it was only when he was ready to give all up into God's-hand, that he came to be truly resting in the One from whom all had been received, and who was leading him on to yet brighter blessing-beyond. And so he was Called " the friend of God."
W. J. L.