A Devotion from William G.T. Shedd

My meditation of him shall be sweet. 
-Psalm 104:34 kjv

It is simple fact. There is a heaven, whether we reach it or not. There is a vision of God, whether it ever dilate and enrapture our eyes or not. God is infinite blessedness and glory, and no good being can see him without partaking of it. The more clear and full our vision, the more overwhelming and boundless is the influx of heaven into us. We may know something of this here on earth. The more we meditate on God and divine things, the happier we will become in our own minds.

In the saints’ everlasting rest, there is an unending contemplation and sight of God. Who of us are certain that we will not turn away when we find that this, and this alone, is heaven. For this vision of God, this sight of him face-to-face, this contemplation of his perfections is the substance of paradise.

Meditation on God and divine things elevates, sanctifies, and blesses. But though this Christian habit produces such great and good fruits, there is probably no duty that is more neglected. We find it easier to read our Bibles than to ponder on them, easier to listen to preaching than to digest it, easier to respond to the calls of benevolence and engage in external service in the church than to go into our closets. And isn’t this the secret of the faint and sickly life in our souls? Do you think that if we often entered the presence of God and obtained a view of things unseen and eternal, earthly temptation would have such a strong power over us? Do you think that if we received every day a distinct and bold impression from the attributes of God, we would be so distant from him in our hearts? Can’t we trace our neglect of duty, our lukewarm feelings, and our great worldliness of heart to our lack of the vision of God?

The success of Christians mainly depends on habitual communion with God. No spasmodic resolutions can be a substitute for it. If holy communion and prayer are interrupted, we will surely fall into sin. In this world of continual temptation and lethargic consciences, we need to be awakened and awed by the splendor of God’s holy face. But we cannot see that amidst the vapors and smoke of everyday life. We must go into our closets and close the door and pray to our Father who sees what is done in secret. Then will we know how power to resist temptation comes from companionship with God. Then we will know what a Sabbath that soul enjoys who looks long and steadily at the divine perfections.