The condition of a Christian wandering over earth in search of rest; and disappointed, returning at length to his Savior, glad to be received again into His bosom, where alone there is peace. Surely, he who has been accustomed to drink at the pure fountain of spiritual joy, can never find rest for the soul in this polluted world.
How true is it, that to one whose affections have been directed to things above, earthly pleasures seem to have lost their usual relish.
No prospect however beautiful, no pleasures however tantalizing can be enjoyed, without the associated presence and blessing of God. Yet when God is recognized in them, and the heart is properly affected towards Him-then do even earthly scenes acquire an additional interest.
But let the Christian lose sight for a season of his heavenly inheritance, and wander over earth's surface in search of worldly good how soon will he find an unsatisfying vacuity, where not even an olive leaf shall be found to greet his eye or to cheer his heart.
The Christian may so far backslide, as to wish to explore anew the world which he professes to have forsaken, and God may allow him to do so. But O how soon his wing will tire, and his prospect become gloomy. Glad will he be to return and flutter around the ark, longing to be taken in, where he can once more feel himself happy and at home. And Jesus kindly extends His hand to take us in, even when we have sinfully wandered from His loving arms.
Why is it that we can be so often deceived? Have we not tried the world, and have we not been disappointed in the pursuit? Never again then let us leave the sacred ark, never again wander from our Lord.
[Jared Waterbury]
Genesis 8:9 ... 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. ❤
