Sometimes I sit down at the piano and just play through the hymnbook. I was doing this the other day when I came across a hymn that I had not thought of in a while.

The song, Near to the Heart of God, was written in 1903 by Cleland McAfee, a minister and choir leader. His two infant nieces died from diphtheria, and he sought words of comfort for himself and his family *. This song was the result.

The words are timely today and worth sharing.

  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. 

 O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
 Sent from the heart of God;
 Hold us, who wait before Thee,
 Near to the heart of God.

  There is a place of comfort sweet,
      Near to the heart of God;
      A place where we our Savior meet,
      Near to the heart of God.

  There is a place of full release,
      Near to the heart of God;
      A place where all is joy and peace,
      Near to the heart of God. 

May we seek the heart of God today.

James 4:8, “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”

*https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-near-to-heart-of-god-arises-from-tragic-loss

Photo – Virginia Morning, Beth Mims