A Backward Glance

John 14:26 – But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)

Psalm 42:1 – As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (KJV)

How often we have heard a few bars of a tune, or caught a faint fragrance of perfume, and are mentally transported to another place and to another time. Whenever I participate in congregational singing of that lovely song, "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you," by Martin Nystrom, I mentally leave my immediate surroundings, and am seated in the closed-in veranda of a rustic old building. The warm, late-springtime sun is streaming through the windows, and last year's flies are beginning to buzz with life. I can feel the joyful anticipation of the women seated around me, who, like me, have come to this camp to be blessed by the speakers, and to enjoy the warmth of Christian fellowship. It was here in these unpretentious surroundings, which boasted only the barest necessities of modern living, that I heard and sang this song for the very first time, and, as the meaning of the words swept over me, I was spiritually blessed and refreshed.

Because I believe our heavenly Father is interested in our every need, no matter how trivial, I am convinced that this song is selected for congregational singing for my benefit. The Holy Spirit participates further and brings to my remembrance the original experience of spiritual growth from the words of this song, and I am again refreshed and blessed. Spiritual experiences are uniquely personal, but may we all be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, as He gently leads and guides us into greater spiritual awareness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithfulness of Your Holy Spirit, whose work it is to bring to our remembrance times spent with Your Word. Thank You for the faithfulness of men and women who have been inspired to commit Your Word to the harmony of music to give added pleasure. We thank You for Your Son, the living Word, by whose authority we enter into Your throne room. Amen.