The title to this post contain words penned by a well know songwriter from another era. Though many of Fanny Crosby’s songs were written and published more than a century ago, they speak relevance in my life today.
Giving care to another day after day, year after year leaves one exhausted and weary. Drawing nearer to the One who can replenish an empty vessel is a day after day, year after year necessity.
I’m glad that as I draw nearer to God, He draws nearer to me and today this intimate fellowship paralleled in a wonderfully visual way.
I often go outside to sit in a chair under the awning on my back porch facing the woods, which is literally a stones throw away. I take along a cup of hot tea, my Bible, notebook, and pen.
Today’s wintry weather in below freezing temperature didn’t feel as frigid in the outdoors while I began to draw nearer to God. This was a day when the circumstances that surrounded me couldn’t keep me from telling Him I didn’t know how long I would be able to keep this up, that giving care to someone on a daily basis began effecting my ability to function, make decisions, concentrate and accomplish the seemingly mountains (though really more like mounds) of to do’s.
In the distance I could hear the faint call of the red-tail hawk. It’s no secret to God (nothing ever is) how much I enjoy hearing its distinct cry and revel seeing the majestic wingspan as it glides effortlessly through the sky and my woods. As a matter of fact, a hawk’s nest was built high in the top branches of a maple tree in my woods this year.
The hawk called and called and didn’t stop calling as I poured out my heart to the Lord.
“I know, Lord, you want me to cast my cares on you, that your yoke is easy and your burden is light.”
A sense of peace came over me and the struggle I felt began to lift, as if it had been blown at that moment away in the wind.
“Thank you Lord, your Presence is here with me and you know what I’m going through.”
I continued my talk and thanked God that I am blessed with having my very own park in my backyard that helps to ease my stress, then, I noticed that the hawk flew closer and perched high in the branch of a nearby tree.
I went on praying for other’s needs and as I finished, I looked up and the hawk flew even more closer to the woods edge. My eyes opened wide in amazement and a comfort washed over me as I thought about God’s greatness. He is able to make His presence, comfort and peace known in visually tangible ways!
The appearance of the hawk in perfect timing made me aware of the fact that God was near me in a difficult time today.
It was as if I was given double the comfort for what I was going through.
Fanny Crosby, in spite of becoming blind as an infant as a result of a doctor’s incompetence, wrote over 8,000 hymns using numerous pen names.
I am Thine, O Lord is one of the hymns she wrote that speaks volumes to me today.
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard your voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, By the pow’r of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine.
O the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend to friend!
There are depths of love that I cannot know Till I cross the narrow sea; There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest in peace with Thee.
Chorus:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side.
How good and gracious to be in the Presence of the Great I AM.
Thank you, Jesus for coming to Earth and making a way to the Father through your death on the Cross.
Christmas, AKA Jesus’ birthday, is celebrated on December 25th each year, but Jesus’ sacrifice, Resurrection and abiding love can be known every day.
EverGreen 