Homeward Bound by A. S. Nason

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1872

Homeward Bound.

By A. S. Nason

THE thought is sweetly consoling to the wayworn traveler journeying homeward that he is nearing home; that by-and-by all the storms, and vicissitudes of this life will be over, and the sighs, groans, and tears, arising from sad, stricken hearts, will be exchanged for unutterable joy in the presence of Him who has promised to wipe the tears from off all faces. How often the heart sinks beneath trials and discouragements, and the path we journey seems so rough and thorny, that we almost despair! But as soon as we turn our gaze upward to Jesus, and tell him the woe that oppresses us, he sends his shining angels that excel in strength to our aid, and the enemy is vanquished, the clouds lift above our heads, and the comfort that the Lord alone can bestow, fills our souls. We might well grow discouraged, if we had the battle of life to fight alone. If we could look to no arm but flesh to help us, then, indeed, should we perish. But, thank God, we have One mighty to save, whose eye never slumbers, and whose ear is ever open to the feeblest petition; and when we feel weakest, and most despairing, then is his opportunity to pour us out a blessing so rich and sweet that every care is banished, the burdens that have weighed so heavily upon us roll off, and we hear his voice like richest music, saying, “Peace, be still.”

If the blessings we receive from time to time to encourage us on our lonely way, are a foretaste of Heaven, “What must it be to be there?” Oh! if we could keep this bright picture constantly before our minds, we should never droop in weariness and woe. But it is, no doubt, necessary for our spiritual welfare, that sometimes we should feel that Jesus hides his face from us. It is the storm that makes the sunshine seem so delightful, the absence of the birds through dreary winter, that makes their songs so sweet, as spring-time brings their return. And oh! how unutterably precious are the smiles of Jesus after a long hard struggle with the powers of darkness, when we have felt almost forsaken and it has seemed that we must sink beneath the waves of adversity. How cheering, as we have seemed to hear him speaking, “Thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Why are we so easily discouraged, when we have such a strong helper in Jesus? He has trod the rugged path before us, and he knows just how to sympathize with all our sorrows. O, let us strive to check every murmuring thought and word. We have not always to suffer here. The pearly gates of the celestial city will soon roll back to welcome in the faithful, waiting ones. Then let us look up, and lift up our heads and rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh. He that endureth to the end shall be saved.

“My rest is in Heaven, my rest is not here, Then why should I tremble when trials are near? Be hushed, my sad spirit, the worst that can come But shortens my journey and hastens me home.

A. S. NASON.

Lynn, Mass.