The Pattern that Underlies all Things – Sunday, September 15, 1940
There comes at some time or other to disturb every man, the question of his relationship to life, to the world in general, and to the eternal scheme of things.
Here am I in the midst of the Universe. What part of it an I? What ultimate purpose underlies it all in times of peace and of happiness, in times of our own personal well-being, when we can see the accomplishment of good, and when we are permitted to devote our energies, our time and our talents to productive purposes, the answer seems nearer – or perhaps the question troubles us less. But in times of sorrow, and of conflict, in times when the hard-won progress of the world seems desperately near to being lost, in times when men are forced by circumstances to devote themselves to the refinements of killing and destruction, many ask themselves where order and purpose have gone, and seem to find no answer.
Those who can find and fit their lives into a pattern so true and comprehensive that it meets all conditions and satisfies all queries of life, then we can endure all things with faith and fortitude. But if our pattern has not been a good one and breaks up under stress into crazy pieces and useless fragments, then we are sick and troubled at heart. But of this we may be sure: There is a pattern that underlies all things. Its directing force is that same God who made the heavens and the earth and all that in them is. Some have seen it only dimly; some see it not at all. But no matter how the foolishness of men seems to confuse the issues of life – out of the chaos, out of the brutality, out of the seeming contradictions, out of the hatred and animosity and stupidity will come peace and order and understanding – in the Lord’s own time, in that quiet which follows the storm, no matter how violent the storm. And those who now grope in blindness, and those who see dimly, and those who see far and clearly, will find in common these words which the Lord spoke to Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. * * * shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah, 55:8,9 and 11) Thus saith your Father and your God.
September 15, 1940
Broadcast Number 0,578