p. 7 | Alone with God by MRS. FLORA POST

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 27, 1916

Alone with God

By MRS. FLORA POST

MRS. FLORA POST

As we near the closing scenes of earth’s history, each must obtain an experience that will enable him to stand alone. This will be gained by becoming acquainted with God. We get acquainted with our friends by conversing with them; and when a warm friendship has been formed, how natural it is to long to spend time in sweet intercourse with them! Such was the example left us by the Master. I read of him:—

“Christ’s disciples were much impressed by his prayers, and by his habit of communion with God. One day after a short absence from their Lord, they found him absorbed in supplication. Seeming unconscious of their presence, he continued praying aloud. The hearts of the disciples were deeply moved. As he ceased praying, they exclaimed, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’”—“Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 140.

Do we become thus absorbed in our communion with God? All that Christ received from the Father we, too, may have. It is our privilege to ask, and to receive all that God has promised. We are invited to prove him, and to learn for ourselves that his promises are unfailing. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his disciples that when they prayed, they should enter their closet and shut the door, and then pray to their Father, who sees in secret, and he would reward them openly. Daily and hourly interviews with his heavenly Father prepared Enoch for translation. He walked with God, and no unexpected trial overcame him.

I am so glad that God is no respecter of persons, and that the relations between him and each soul are as distinct and full as if there were not another soul for whom he gave his beloved Son.

When Hannah’s heart was burdened, she fasted and prayed. She prayed in her heart, only her lips moved; but God, who sees in secret, rewarded her openly.

George Mueller says that for years he never failed to have a daily audience with God. He knew the Lord as his friend, and expected him to answer, even to removing a fog in five minutes, that he might keep an appointment for a religious service.

Jacob was enabled to do, through prayer, that which he could have accomplished in no other way. He met Esau peaceably, and even the rude soldiers were impressed by the meeting. Jacob was crippled for life in his struggle; but the desired blessing was realized, and he learned how vain is the help of man, and how groundless is all trust in human power.

Are we prevailing with God, or do we cease praying too soon? Why are we so often found carrying our own load, and struggling for that which we might possess for the asking? Satan indeed trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees. It should be the most natural thing in the world for us to turn to our kind Benefactor for the things we need, which, being received, are deserving of a “Thank thee, Lord”—a courtesy sometimes forgotten.

Daniel had three stated seasons of prayer, evening, morning, and noon. Appropriate seasons indeed! But is there any time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God? A closet of communion may be found wherever we are.

Is there danger of our asking too much of our Lord, or of expressing our ideas too feebly to be understood by him?—No! God is well pleased when we make the very highest demands upon him that we may glorify his name; and the prayer of even the humblest suppliant Jesus presents as his own desire in that soul’s behalf. If our heart is in our prayer, it will be presented to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of Jesus’ own perfection. What an encouragement to pray!

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6, 7. Then why the heartaches and bitter experiences?

All my griefs by him are ordered, Needful is each one for me. Every tear by him is counted, One too much there cannot be; And if when they fall so thickly, I can own his way is right, Then each bitter tear of anguish Precious is in Jesus’ sight.

Far too well my Saviour loves me To allow my life to be One long, calm, unbroken summer, One unruffled, stormless sea; He would have me fondly nestling Closer to his loving breast; He would have that world seem brighter Where alone is perfect rest.

Though his wise and loving purpose, Once I could not clearly see, I believe, with faith unshaken, All will work for good to me; Therefore when my way is gloomy, And my eyes with tears are dim, I will go to God, my Father, And will tell my griefs to him.