Nearer Heaven for August 21

XXI.
Think of Jesus, who lived so near to God and learn of Him, however chequered your life, to dwell under the shadow of the Almighty.

"Abide in me." - John 15:4

My truest fellowship is with you, for You come closest to my heart.

O, that prayer were to me true converse with you - life's sweetest joy and the heart's holiest delight.

My life is so hurried I do not give You time to speak. Yet how much You have to say to my soul.

O, for the heart that comes to you not to ask favours, or urge further blessings, but that delights to abide with you out of a pure love for Your presence!

When I enjoy fellowship with you, my heart has no desire for fellowship with the world.

More and more I feel that the only way to be strong is to wait on You.

I sometimes rest more on what You have done than on what You are in Yourself; but, O, for the faith that rises to Your person!

Gracious Redeemer, will You not lead me up to some transfiguration mount and show me Your glory?

My life is lived on a common level, when it might be lived in the heavenly places with You.

I cannot enjoy You if I am not entirely Yours. I have only been half-hearted for You; and I know not the deeper joys that are given Your own.

When You forgive us You admonish us: "Go and sin no more."

How glorious are the privileges of the spiritual life - the privilege of being Yours, of following You, of communing with You, and glorifying Your holy name. It is because I dwell on these privileges so little that I think of my difficulties so much.

John Baird, 1884