How God can supply all our needs is oftentimes very perplexing to the thought that is beginning to rise above matter and is trying to grasp the fundamental truth of being. The general experience is that the unceasing unfoldment of Truth brings, with each successive ray of light, the increasing conviction that all things real are spiritual. However intense our former education along the opposite line,—that being is material,—many a time in the regeneration of thought we will stop and ask, "How can God, who is Spirit, meet our present needs, which seem to be material?" To grasp this truth sometimes presents a great problem to the student of Christian Science and is often a stumblingblock, until understood. When taking up the study of this Science, one of the first lessons we are taught is to trust God and to "have no other trusts" (Miscellany, p. 171). Another progressive step is to learn that God is Spirit, and that man is spiritual, not animated matter, as so many of us had been taught to believe.

When this thought is first presented, it is generally accepted joyfully by those who are receptive to it, oftentimes without question as to its logic or nature, or their power to demonstrate it. If doubt be entertained, however, we may find error questioning this truth, somewhat along this line: Of course, it is very reasonable and easy to understand how God can take care of man who is spiritual; but, until we arrive at that plane of demonstrable understanding, how will He be able to supply our needs? The sense of lack of supply is not necessarily limited to finance, for every problem can be traced to some phase of this belief. It may present itself as a lack of intelligence, a lack of health, or a lack of the right idea needed to readjust our business. There is always a correct solution for every problem. Sometimes it appears as we expected; but, oftentimes, in some unexpected or unthought-of way will the right supply be manifested.

Let us consider how God can be "a very present help in trouble." The nineteenth verse of the fourth chapter of Philippians has many times been of much assistance to the writer. There we find it written: "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,"—not part of our needs, but all of them. Error may try, however, to argue after this fashion: Why have I not yet been healed? or, Why have I not more money? The uncovering of these suggestions will show us what we have been seeking first. Jesus tells us to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added." If we use this statement as a standard by which to judge our thought-processes and motives, we can readily see why we may not have realized healing. The great question which confronts mankind is, "What do I most earnestly desire and seek after,—material healing and supply, or the kingdom of God?" If we are sincere in our search for the spiritual, we may be sure of obtaining it; and our material needs will likewise be met.

Throughout her writings, Mrs. Eddy uses the term Mind as a synonym for God. It is plain that Mind cannot create anything unlike itself; neither can that which is its direct opposite express it. The only possible way for divine Mind to find expression is through divine thoughts or ideas; hence, we must overcome every erroneous condition by seeking the fundamental idea of Truth whereby to replace the false belief.

Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 60), "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind." Why is it that more of good does not come into our experience? The writer is reminded of the effort required in the learning of a difficult piece of music. If discordant notes are played, we must go back and rectify the mistakes if harmony is desired. To the ill-attuned ear it may sound all right, and to be detected the error would have to be pointed out. To the slothful, even though the error were apparent, the effort to eliminate it would appear too great; while to the one who desired to progress above all else, each renewed effort would be looked upon simply as a lesson to teach him how to find harmony. So with our daily experiences; it is not because God's hand is closed and unwilling to give, but because ours has such a tight grasp on matter and is so full of it, that we cannot receive anything more. First, we must let go the false which we are holding so tenaciously, that we may receive the true, which God is so plentifully offering.

The one who has conscientiously tried, but has not as yet prevailed, and is in consequence tempted to become discouraged, I will refer to a helpful illustration that came to me some time ago. From the window of my room, which is on the bank of a small river, there could be seen a large dredger working in the river channel. This dredger had been working a long time with scarcely a noticeable result; and to one who did not understand, a lot of the work seemed useless. But, with untiring persistence, every sand pile was gradually removed, allowing the stream to flow freely in its proper channel. If any of the shoals had been left, they might have caused trouble. And yet, viewing the finished work, who can say which shovelful of sand that had been removed was the most important! It was the clearing away of everything which seemed to obstruct that brought the desired result. Not all the obstructions were ugly; some of them were beautiful. But even those that appeared beautiful and harmless had to give way with the others so that the channel could be cleared.

If the same persistence were adhered to in our own work of cleansing our thought-channels, and every pile of error were worked at until it was removed,—particularly that thought which would turn us to matter for happiness,—then, indeed, would we find the channel of our lives filled with a constantly flowing stream of the "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."