LET ME HEAR THY VOICE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

SEPTEMBER 4

 

Song of Solomon 2:14

O my dove, that art in the clefts if the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

 
This is the language of Jesus to his Church, to us.
 
He loves to see us come to his throne. To hear us pour our hearts before him.
 
The prayer of the upright is his delight. It may be as mournful as the cooing of the dove, and there may be as much sameness in it too, but he loves to hear it.
 
We are wearied with telling the oft-repeated tale, we fancy that he will be so too, but not, he says “Let me heavy thy voice.”
 
Shall we refuse him? Rather let us go to him more frequently.
 
Let us confess our sins, mourn over our follies, lament our proneness to backslide, plead his precious promises, seek the enjoyment of his presence, beseech him to pardon our sins, and crave every blessing which he has to bestow.
 
We cannot go to him too often.
 
We cannot ask for too much at his hands.
 
He asks us to pray.
 
He exhorts us to come to his throne.
 
He sends troubles, trials, and afflictions to bring us near to him. In every comfort, he says, “Let me hear thy voice.”
 
In every trial, he says, “Call upon me, I will deliver thee.”
 
Beloved, go at once to Jesus, and let him hear thy voice, in obedience to his call, acknowledge his goodness, plead his promises, and seek his grace.
 

‘Tis sweet to steal a while away

From ev’ry cumbering care;

And spend the closing hours of day

In humble, grateful prayer.

 
James Smith