“But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her , and pulled her in unto him into the ark.”–Gen. 8:9
One night in a home by the sea, the family sat around the evening lamp. Within, all was peace; without, however, the storm was wild. Rain and sleet beat against the windows. During the evening, one of the group heard a strange fluttering outside one of the windows. Making careful examination, it was found that there was a little bird flapping its wings against the pane. It had been caught in the storm, and was unable to find shelter. The light in the window had attracted it, and there it was beating against the glass. Quickly the window was opened, and the little thing flew in, drenched and faint—but happy and safe. Inside it found shelter, light, warmth, and food.
Often there are lives among us, like the bird caught in earth’s storms, swept by temptation, by sorrow, or by passion; defeated, weary, with no shelter. For all such, the only refuge is in the heart of God, under the shadow of the wings of divine love. There the weary heart finds all it craves of refuge, love, warmth, joy, and satisfaction. Flying to the window of the divine ark—a strong, gentle hand draws it in.–J. R. Miller
As soon as I read this I began to think of this song—- perhaps you should:
- Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.- Refrain:
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
- Refrain:
- Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh. - Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all. - View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies;
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice? - Lo! th’ incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude. - Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
