Monday, January 25, 2010

Private Prayer


Tell me…where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon.” (Song of Solomon 1:70)

“Where doest thou feed thy flock? In thy house? Then I will go, if I may find thee there. In private prayer? Then I will pray without ceasing. In the Word? Then I will read diligently. In thine ordinances? Then I will walk in them with all my heart. Tell me where you feed, for wherever you stand as the Shepherd, there will I lie down as a sheep; for none but you can supply my need. I cannot be satisfied apart from you. My soul hungers and thirsts for the refreshing of your presence…Satan tells me I am unworthy; but I always was unworthy, and yet you have long loved me; and, therefore, my unworthiness cannot be a barrier to my having fellowship with you now…It is true I am weak in faith, and prone to fall, but my very feebleness is the reason why I should always be where you feed your flock, that I may be strengthened, and preserved in safety beside still waters….Jesus beckons me to come. If He withdrew himself a little, it is but to make me prize His presence more. Now that I am grieved and distressed at being away from Him, he will lead me yet again to that sheltered nook where the lambs of His fold are sheltered from the burning sun.”

I am reluctant to add to the great words of Charles H. Spurgeon. This is a small piece from a devotional entitled “Private Prayer.” I found myself able to relate to these words so much; so much I think I could just leave it as it is. Sometimes I find myself so hungry for Him but yet unable to find the food I need.

My walk goes in phases. At times I find myself so craving His Word and His presence I pour over the Word with every waking moment. I read through His Word and everything comes so naturally. And then there are times like the present, when it seems as if He is so far away. And really, Spurgeon says it best… “If He withdrew himself a little, it is but to make me prize His presence more. Now that I am grieved and distressed at being away from Him, he will lead me yet again to that sheltered nook where the lambs of His fold are sheltered from the burning sun.”

4 comments:

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Um, I haven't even finished reading a post yet; you had me with your "about me" paragraph. You captured my sentiments exactly there.

I saw another comment you left for Abundant Living and thought I'd stop by. Can't wait to read more!

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Okay, well, now that I've actually READ the post,I think you and I must be made from the same dirt. Because I totally could have written this.

I think these times are also a time when He gives us the opportunity to choose to love Him, even when we don't feel Him. He's so easy to love when we can sense Him, isn't He? But are we willing to stay devoted even when we don't have the benefit of feeling good about Him?

Great post.

Unknown said...

I love Spurgeon! He has such REAL wisdom and is so transparent in his thoughts. How can a person help but love him.

Spurgeon's words made me think - even craving God is a spiritual experience. When we aren't right by his side, our spirit yearns for his presence. Wow, never thought about it that way but it's a cool thought.

Keep on keepin' on sister! :)
Love,
Lynnette

Tracy said...

Wonderful quote - thanks for sharing it.

Love the part where he says

"Satan tells me I am unworthy; but I always was unworthy, and yet you have long loved me; and, therefore, my unworthiness cannot be a barrier to my having fellowship with you now"

I'm so grateful that my unworthiness does not create a barrier to my ability to be in relationship with Him.