Once upon a time there was a great king who employed his people to weave for him. The silk, and woof, and patterns were all given by the king, and he looked for diligent work-people. He was very indulgent, and told them when any difficulty arose to send to him, and he would help them, and never to fear troubling him, but to ask for help and instruction.
Among many men and women busy at their looms was one little child whom the king did not think too young to work. Often alone at her work, cheerfully and patiently she labored. One day, when the men and women were distressed at the sight of their failures, the silks were tangled and the weaving unlike the pattern, they gathered round the child and said:
"Tell us how it is that you are so happy in your work. We are always in difficulties."
"Then why do you not send to the king?" said the little weaver; " he told us that we might do so."
"So we do, night and morning."
"Ah," said the child, "but I send directly I find I have a little tangle."
We all have "little tangles" in our lives, and are discouraged because we cannot make them straight; so, instead of singing at our work, we are heavy-hearted and complaining. But is there really so easy a remedy always at hand? May we send directly to the King? Let us hear what He says about it Himself, for if it is true, why should we go on carrying all our burdens, and keeping all our sorrows pent up within?
Every word of the Bible means what it says: "All" "In everything"—mean just what they say. Then there is not a single thing shut out, from the smallest every-day care that worries to the greatest sorrow that nearly breaks the heart. Nor is the King, like earthly ones, difficult of access: " His ears are open to their cry."
Though by seraph hosts adored, He to earth's lowest cares is still awake. And not only so, but He comes to us in our need, the call of a thought will bring Him close to our side.
Take, then, ye toiling and troubled ones, the comfort offered you; food is no use to the hungry, if they look at it, and do not eat; so you will be no happier or stronger if you only read the words of promised help; act upon them daily, hourly; go to the King directly you have a little tangle, " in everything," " all your care." Only take Him at His word, and you will find Him true to His word: " The crooked places will be made straight, and the rough places plain," " and the peace of God... shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."