“God is essentially present with us in a manner that is incomprehensive to us.
He fills heaven an earth; in him we live, move and have our being.
He is also near our most secret thoughts, inclinations, desires and intentions.”
Tersteegen later wrote:
“You must withdraw into yourself a little and keep quiet before the face of God, then look gently and perfectly frankly at God who is so near to us, to let Him see if there is anything in us or near us which must be handed over, and assure Him of our hearty consent to give up everything to Him.”
Gerhard Tersteegen
Lessons
Thou hidden love of God, whose height,
Whose depth unfathom’d no man knows,
I see from far thy beauteous light,
Inly I sigh for thy repose;
My heart is pain’d, nor can it be
At rest, till it finds rest in thee.
’Tis mercy all, that thou hast brought
My mind to seek her peace in thee;
Yet while I seek, but find thee not,
No peace my wand’ring soul shall see;
O when shall all my wand’rings end,
And all my steps to thee-ward tend!
O hide this self from me, that I
No more, but Christ in me may live;
My vile affections crucify,
Nor let one darling lust survive;
In all things nothing may I see,
Nothing desire or seek but thee.
O Love, thy sov’reign aid impart,
To save me from low-thoughted care:
Chase this self-will thro’ all my heart,
Thro’ all its latent mazes there:
Make me thy duteous child, that I
Ceaseless may Abba, Father, cry!
Each moment draw from earth away
My heart that lowly waits thy call:
Speak to my inmost soul, and say,
I am thy love, thy God, thy all!
To feel thy power, to hear thy voice,
To taste thy love, be all my choice.
Thanks for stopping by my blog this week, Diana. I am so glad this post gave your insight. Transition times can be tough but always learning ground and full of potential new beginnings. Blessings on your journey!
I enjoy quotes so much and think it is fun to read more about the people behind them There is always lessons hidden in their stories, Blessings on your weekend!
Thank, Jean, for introducing us to Gerhard 🙂
Gerhard Tersteegen? Nope! Never heard of him. Until now. I’m glad you’ve made the introduction, Jean.
Wow, Jean. Thank you for introducing me to this inspiring gentleman! I shall have to read more of his words after such a delicious taste! I always learn something when I stop by here.
Dear Jean
Yes, I know of Gerhatd Tersteegen! He was a great man. Thank you bringing him back to our memories today.