Men depart from God by speculative thought or by anxious care, or by
sin.
To 'return' is just to trust.
The parallel helps us here--'returning' is parallel with 'confidence.'
This confidence is to be exercised especially in relation to one's own
path in life and the outward trials and difficulties which we meet, but
its sphere extends far beyond these. It is a disposition of mind which
covers all things. The attitude of trust, the sense of dependence, the
assurance of God's help and love are in all life the secrets of peace
and power.
Am I sinful? then trust. Am I bewildered and ignorant? then trust. Am I
anxious and harassed? then trust.
Note the thought, that we come back to God by simple confidence, not by
preparing ourselves, not by our expiation, but only by trusting in Him.
Of course the temptations to the opposite attitude are many and great.
Note, too, that every want of confidence is a departure from God. We go
away from Him not only by open sin, not only by denial of Him, but by
forget-fulness, by want of faith.
The _ground_ of this confidence is laid in our knowledge of Him,
especially in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The _exercise_ of this confidence is treated as voluntary. Every man is
responsible for his faith.
The _elements_ of this confidence are, as regards ourselves, our sense
of want in all its various aspects; and, as regards Him, our assurance
of His love, of His nearness to help.