The presence of Jesus is the happiness of His people; when He is present manifesting His love, we are filled with joy and peace; but when He hides His face we are troubled. Nor is it any wonder, for then generally, Satan comes in with his temptations; our corruptions rise and trouble us; and for a time every thing seems to be against us.
But if Jesus hath once visited, He will come again; and He will manifest Himself unto us as He doth not unto the world. In every season of desertion and darkness, let us plead this precious promise given us by our adorable Lord; He sympathises with us, and says, "Ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
Precious Lord Jesus, let us this day enjoy Thy presence and Thy love; come and visit us, or rather, come and take up Thy abode with us, to leave us no more for ever. Our souls thirst for Thee; we long to enjoy Thy love, as we have done in days that are gone by. Oh, manifest Thyself unto us this day, and unite us closer than ever unto Thyself!
Then let us sit beneath His cross, And gladly catch the healing stream; All things for Him account but dross, And give up all our hearts to Him; Of nothing think or speak beside; My Lord, my love, is crucified.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
The presence of Jesus is the happiness of His people; when He is present manifesting His love, we are filled with joy and peace; but when He hides His face we are troubled. Nor is it any wonder, for then generally, Satan comes in with his temptations; our corruptions rise and trouble us; and for a time every thing seems to be against us.
But if Jesus hath once visited, He will come again; and He will manifest Himself unto us as He doth not unto the world. In every season of desertion and darkness, let us plead this precious promise given us by our adorable Lord; He sympathises with us, and says, "Ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
Precious Lord Jesus, let us this day enjoy Thy presence and Thy love; come and visit us, or rather, come and take up Thy abode with us, to leave us no more for ever. Our souls thirst for Thee; we long to enjoy Thy love, as we have done in days that are gone by. Oh, manifest Thyself unto us this day, and unite us closer than ever unto Thyself!
Then let us sit beneath His cross, And gladly catch the healing stream; All things for Him account but dross, And give up all our hearts to Him; Of nothing think or speak beside; My Lord, my love, is crucified.