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position in the world; it is another thing to regard it as it really is—the
word of the living God, the word that is our life, the word that is to
mold our actions, our words, and our thoughts. To hold God’s word as
anything less than this is to reject it. And this rejection by those who
profess to believe it, is foremost among the causes of skepticism and
infidelity in the youth.
An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of
the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in
the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses
body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is
speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. “Be still,
and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
.
Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the bless-
ing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With
hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence,
pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting
for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher.
With their burdens they return to their work.
These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn
the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to
pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual
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power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this,
they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain
will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.
Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact
with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him—this is our need.
Happy will it be for the children of our homes and the students of our
schools when parents and teachers shall learn in their own lives the
precious experience pictured in these words from the Song of Songs:
“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood,
So is my Beloved among the sons.
I sat down under His shadow with great delight,
And His fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house,
And His banner over me was love.”
Song of Solomon 2:3, 4
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