From the Pastor’s Pen

Final thoughts on Hebrews 1:11

They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment;           NKJV

“You remain;” what glorious words and what a wonderful promise for us. There are multitudes of people who live out their lives in loneliness and cannot restrain the tears that flow, but there is someone who is unseen and just within their reach. If they would only believe in Him, they would realize His presence, which is blessed, yet quite rare. Even among we who are true believers, being aware of our Savior’s presence is often dependent upon our moods, our feelings, our physical condition, and even the weather. The unending rain or thick fog outside, the lack of sleep, or the intense pain affects our mood and blurs our vision so that we lose sight of His presence.

There is however, something even better than realizing our Savior’s presence, and even more blessed. It is completely independent of these other conditions and is something that will abide within us. It is this: recognizing our Lord’s unseen presence, which is so wonderful, quieting, soothing, calming, and warming. So recognize the presence of the Master. He is here, close to you, and His presence is real.

Christ is not just someone off in the far reaches of heaven, but he is immeasurably more. He is present, and He is a compassionate Friend and the all-powerful God and creator of all things. This is a joyful truth for weeping hearts everywhere, no matter the reason for the tears, or whatever may be happening in the storm of life that surrounds us: He remains!

When from my life the old-time joys have vanished,
Treasures once mine, I may no longer claim,
This truth may feed my hungry heart, and famished:
Lord, THOU REMAINEST THOU art still the same!
When streams have dried, those streams of glad refreshing–
Friendships so blest, so rich, so free;
When sun-kissed skies give place to clouds depressing,
Lord, THOU REMAINEST! Still my heart hath THEE.
When strength hath failed, and feet, now worn and weary,
On gladsome errands may no longer go,
Why should I sigh, or let the days be dreary?
Lord, THOU REMAINEST! Could’st Thou more bestow?
Thus through life’s days–whoe’er or what may fail me,
Friends, friendships, joys, in small or great degree,
Songs may be mine, no sadness need assail me,
Lord, THOU REMAINEST! Still my heart hath THEE.           J. Danson Smith