Wednesday of Week Two
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“There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God.” —Cleland McAfee
A prayer anytime and anywhere brings the peace of God into our lives. Imagine being near to the heart of God! Starting with my early Sunday School experiences, I’ve had a desire to experience where Jesus shared his love and message. Through the years, it grew into a yearning to be and see where Jesus was born, loved, taught, crucified, buried, arose, and ascended to heaven.
To make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2017 with my wife, beloved pastors and Christian friends from Dickinson First was more than I could have dreamed. We were all elated on our arrival in Tel Aviv on February 7. The excitement and fascination with all things Israel was evident every day as we traveled through many places in the northern and central parts and on the Sea of Galilee. After several days we headed south along the Jordan River Valley and saw some magnificent sights including Masada and also floating in the Dead Sea.
With great anticipation on February 11, we were crossing over the Wilderness to a place where so many Jews for centuries ascended to the Holy City. The sun was setting in the west as our band of pilgrims topped the crest and viewed this beautiful city for the first time. The tour guide stopped speaking and had arranged the triumphant hymn, “The Holy City,” with the well-known “Jerusalem, Jerusalem” chorus to play over the speakers. I was overcome with joy and peace as tears streamed down my cheeks. I sensed Jesus’ love for Jerusalem and being near the heart of God. It was a moment I’ll always be grateful for and will never forget.
That special moment refreshes my devotion and love for God. The next several days of our Jerusalem and Bethlehem experiences were very special with the joy of the Holy Spirit. After returning to Dickinson, I decided to chronicle those beautiful times in the Holy Land on a Facebook page titled, “Holy Land Journey with Morgan/Matkin Gomega.” For a video of the Jerusalem entry, which included a video excerpt and photos, I selected the hymn “Near to Heart of God” to accompany.
In the first stanza of “Near to the Heart of God” Cleland McAfee, a preacher and choir director, wrote: “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God; a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.” What a beautiful place for us to be in our walk with Christ!
Author: Duane Ullman
Personal Reflection:
Where do you feel closest to God? Take time today to reflect on that place—whether it’s a physical space or a state of mind—and seek His presence there.
Daily Action:
Invite someone to join you in three days of mindful quiet time where the length of sitting in silence is up to you. Then, talk together about the experience.
