FRAGMENT It is a terrible thing when God’s presence, instead of being the home of our hearts, gives us terror and distress. I have no doubt that you will find hundreds of Christians who, instead of feeling away from home when they have got out of God’s presence, are at ease.

FRAGMENT We sometimes enjoy peace, we enjoy scripture, a hymn, or prayer, without realizing the presence of God; and then there is not the same power, or the same exercise of heart in it, It is very important not only to have a right thought, but to have it with Him. If you search your own heart, you will find that you may sing without realizing Jesus Himself.

FRAGMENT I find the constant tendency of an active mind, and even of work for the Lord, ever is to take us out of the presence of God. God’s presence puts us in our place, and puts Himself in His place in our hearts; and what confidence this gives, as well as the emptying of self in joy! Our great need is to keep in His presence.

FRAGMENT Activity, unless renewing itself in communion with Him, may be sincere, but will degenerate into routine, and is even dangerous; the soul gets far from God without knowing it.

FRAGMENT If you have the assurance that God has entrusted you with a certain service for Him, do not be troubled if you are set aside for a time. Profit by your present separation from the work to be much with Him. You will learn much of Himself during your temporary incapacity to serve Him.

FRAGMENT If we get near to the Lord, if we are in communion with God within the holy place, we see all the saints with His eyes, as dear to Him, objects of Christ’s delight, and the fruit of the travail of His soul. Then intercession for them is easy, and faithfulness to them becomes easy and gracious too.

FRAGMENT Getting out of God’s presence is the source of all our weakness as saints, for in God’s strength we can do anything. (From Pilgrim Portions:Meditations for the Day of Rest by J. N. Darby.)