THE father of a little girl was once in great trouble and distress of mind on account of his sins. He lay awake, after going to bed one night, in fear and dread; he felt like a ship tossed about by a storm, and unable to find any rest or peace. The hours of the night were going slowly and wearily by. He could not sleep because of his trouble.
It happened that his little daughter was sleeping in her crib beside his bed, and presently she began to move about uneasily. Then he heard her voice speaking timidly in the darkness.
"Papa! papa!" she called.
"What is it, my darling?" he asked.
"Oh, papa, it's so dark. Take Nellie's hand." He reached out, and took her tiny little hand, clasping it firmly in his own. A sigh of relief came from her little heart. At once she was quieted and comforted; now all her loneliness and fear were gone. She felt that her loving father was near her, and in a few moments she was sound asleep again.
That father felt that his little child had taught him a valuable lesson.
"Oh, my Father in heaven, my Saviour and my God," he cried; "it is very dark in my soul! Take my hand."
As he lay there in the stillness of the night he turned to the Lord Jesus, and trusted Him as His Saviour. Then a sweet feeling of peace came over him. "This is all I need," he said. "Jesus my Saviour, keep hold of my hand."
Messages of the Love of God 7/13/1958