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Christ in the Home

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 25, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 30.

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Christ in the Home

By Geo. O. States

GEO. O. STATES

Not long ago I had an experience that I will relate, hoping that it may be a help and an encouragement to my dear brethren and sisters in their efforts to live out the truth and resist the temptations of Satan.
Ever since a nervous breakdown several years ago, whenever I overdo in the least, either mentally or physically, I become so exhausted as to be nearly prostrated. One day after doing about all that I could stand, other duties unexpectedly came, which were very perplexing; and by the time I had finished my work, it was nine o'clock, and I was exhausted.
It was under these conditions that the enemy took advantage, suggesting that I omit family worship, that it was only a form. I felt that it was Satan trying to discourage me, and I did not yield to it. The next morning as I opened the Bible to read for family worship, the Spirit of God brought to my mind the fact that I had spoken unkindly in my family the night before; and before reading, I confessed it. In doing so, I was so overcome that I asked my daughter to read. While she read some of the Saviour's precious promises to his disciples, they seemed to apply directly to each of us, and I felt that the room was full ofangels. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
It is indeed a precious thought that when we are exposed to the prince of darkness, we may have with us the heavenly beings, who always have access to the Father.
My heart was filled with such love for that kind and loving Father that as we bowed in prayer, I came to him with perfect confidence, knowing that "the righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
"As the wrestling ones urge their petitions before God, the veil separating them from the unseen seems almost withdrawn. The heavens glow with the dawning of eternal day; and like the melody of angel's songs, the words fall upon the ear, 'Stand fast to your allegiance. Help is coming.' Christ, the mighty victor, holds out to his weary soldiers a crown of immortal glory; and his voice comes from the gates ajar: 'Lo, I am with you. Be not afraid. I am acquainted with all your sorrows; I have borne your griefs. You are not warring against untried enemies. I have fought the battle in your behalf, and in my name you are more than conquerors.' The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it."
Who knows but if I had yielded to the enemy's suggestion, that experience might have been the turning-point to backsliding with me, and as a result with my family?
As I went about my duties that morning, it was with the thought that I had the confidence of my family; that, notwithstanding all my shortcomings, my family had confidence that I was a Christian and was trying to live the truth.
Dear brethren and sisters, when the Spirit of God calls to your mind that you have spoken unkindly to wife, husband, parent, or child, confess it; and I assure you there will come in a peace and joy that you can receive in no other way.
"What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace, Buried deep in my innermost soul; So secure that no power can mine it away, While the years of eternity roll. "Peace, peace, wonderful peace; Coming down from the Father above, Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, In fathomless billows of love." Cedaredge, Colo.