To be near unto God - pagina 28

ence that nothing separates us any more from the Lord; that his arms are around us, and that as it were we cleave unto God. This is holy ground. It is not free from dangers. Misapprehension can interpret this figurative language literally, and in an unholy sense materialize our Spiritual God. False mysticism has shown what errors it may entail. Provided, therefore, that we are on our guard, this figure is aboundingly rich and supremely glorious. To possess God, and to have made fellowship with him a reality in life is beautiful, provided that it always is in Christ.

We, impure and unholy, are brought by our Savior alone, into this tender communion with God.

5

HE WILL REGARD PRAYER Does the Lord regard prayer only after long delay ? Is He not omnipresent ? Is not the whispered prayer known to Him before there is yet a word in the tongue? Can the All-Knowing One first stand apart, indifferently as it were, and only gradually perceive that we pray, before he regards what at first he ignores? Such is the meaning of verses 16 and 17 of Psalm 102. The Psalmist stands outside a closed door. Out of the depth his prayer ascends. But the thorn in the flesh is not removed. The Lord does not hear his prayer. And the Arch-enemy, who does not pray, and who does not know God, is encouraged by Jehovah. God's covenant people are repulsed. God hides his face. And the Psalmist cries: "Hear my prayer, O Lord, and from me. In the day when

I call

answer

me

speedily."

This brings relief to his troubled mind. With 20

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