the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalms 145:18. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. Lamentations 3:57.
What can cheer the heart of him who is not gladdened by the assurance that God, Christ Himself, is near when we call upon Him in truth? What can be more discouraging to man since Adam was cast away from before the face of God and driven out of Eden; since the cherub with the flaming sword was placed before the entrance to Paradise; since by a cloud Jesus was hid from the eyes of the disciples and of men, than this withdrawal of the visible God from the earth? Our only consolation is and must therefore be, that God in Christ nevertheless is near, may be found near, may be perceived in the Spirit, when we really desire Him and seek Him continually; when we disengage body, soul and spirit from everything else; and when through faith and love we transport ourselves into His invisible presence. And when we seek His face He will not frighten us nor appear terrible to us, but He will say, “Fear not, my child! Keep close to me and I will keep close to thee." Oh, how kindly He receives the children of men who turn back to Him! How His heart yearns for us! Let him who desires real joy, who would taste the greatest bliss that man can have on earth, seek the nearness of God and Christ. Greater bliss can not be conceived of on earth than to have Jesus near.
From all eternity, with love
Unchangeable, Thou hast me viewed.
Ere knew this breathing heart to move.
Thy tender mercies me pursued;
Ever with me may they abide,
And close me in on every side.
