At one 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, morning and night.”
“Ah,” said the child, “but I send as soon as I find I have a little tangle.”
Dear young Christian, 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 at once 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?
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Psalm 55:22.
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything; by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6.
Every word of the Bible means what it says: “Thy burden,” “All,” “In everything,” mean just what they say. There is not a single thing we cannot go to the Lord about, from the smallest everyday care that worries, to the greatest sorrow that nearly breaks the heart. “His ears are open to their cry.”
Take, then, ye toiling and troubled ones, the comfort offered you. Act upon them daily, hourly; go to the King as soon as you have a little tangle, “in everything,” “all your care.”
If you take Him at His word, you will find Him true to His word: “The crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.” “The peace of God... shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.