Following the Presence of God by B. G. WILKINSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 10, 1913

Following the Presence of God

By B. G. WILKINSON

B. G. WILKINSON

FOR the building to stand, the foundation must be correct. Should you think of trying to run the machinery of a great mill while refusing to use the big fly-wheel? It is hard work to live without God. Success follows only that which is right, and the presence of God alone teaches us what is right. The Eternal is the plumb-line according to which all else must be squared. “In him was life,” says the evangelist, “and the life was the light of men,”—light to show us the road ahead, life to give us power and energy to move forward; these are the blessings that come from having the presence of God. Some people are running straight into destruction; they have life,—not God’s life,—but they do not have light. Others are so far from God that they are like the arctic regions; they have light but no heat, and so they do not produce anything.

“In thy presence,” says the psalmist, “is fulness of joy.” What the world needs today is more joy and less misery. Peter could not impart money to the lame man at the temple, but he made him happier than did the rich people who passed that way. Peter had been with Jesus to learn of him, and now Jesus was with Peter to keep going the chorus of praises which followed his own steps while upon earth. We should not have so many joyless homes if we had more persons in these homes who enjoyed the presence of God. Do not keep your face like an iron fence; let some becoming smiles show that you are made of flesh.

In the wilderness, fresh every morning, manna fell from the hand of the Unseen Guide. Do people know that you are rich, that you have a rich Father, who, though unseen, supplies you every day abundantly?

It is the presence of God which fills the heart with love. Selfishness bids us adopt the attitude of hate toward our fellow men. Our carnal hearts make us see value in only that which benefits us personally. The Spirit of God teaches us the value of the soul. There is no caste nor any system of class with him who dwells in the sunlight of God’s presence.

A farmer rushing across the country was stopped by an artist. “Did you see that glorious sunset?” said the painter. “No,” replied the other, “I am looking for a cow and a calf.” The child of God sees heaven in everything, from the deep-toned voice of old ocean’s roar to the tiny moat that floats in the sunbeam. The bee sucks honey out of even the rock. Some eyes need glasses in order

to see. Men need prayer to help them see God. And “they who seek a throne of grace find a throne in every place.” If men want to know God, he will graciously admit them to companionship with him, awaken them to life’s immortal powers, and send down upon them dawning light.

It is God who stirs us up. When we prefer using cushions to using shoe-leather, it is God who gives us a mind to work. Then we produce something. We contribute to the world’s need instead of standing in the bread line. In place of submitting to injurious desires we make them submit to us. We are not to be as the glutton, who sits down to the table and says, “There is no higher heaven than this.” We battle against rum, against disease, against all things injurious to soul and body. As God has worked hitherto, so now we work. As he inspires himself, so now he inspires us. The world needs more of the presence of God; we also need more of his presence.

And having become acquainted with the Lord here, we shall, in heaven, continue that acquaintance throughout eternity.

Takoma Park, D. C.