February 23

"Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still." Psalm 4:4.

How spiritual and solemn is the engagement of communing with our own hearts! The heathen nations have enunciated it as an essential principle, "Man, know yourself,"—but with how much greater power does the Gospel enforce the important duty of self-communion. Let me offer one or two suggestions, as to the manner of engaging in this great work.

There must be an earnest seeking of the Spirit's grace, in this spiritual duty; and if you thus seek, the Holy Spirit will be given to aid you. He will help, and guide, and teach you, and then it shall prove a most delightful exercise. Oh, seek the influence of this promised Spirit—that Spirit of Light—that Spirit of Love—that Spirit of Jesus which is so ready to aid you—and you shall then reap the most blessed results.

"Commune with your own heart" in communion with the heart of God. Let this self-communion be maintained at the "mercy-seat," in earnest prayer. Feel that God loves you, and that though your love may have waned and become cold, yet that His is unalterably the same—that there is not one thought or pulsation in God's heart which is against you. Feel that you are communing with your Father in heaven, and that you are His child, who, though full of weakness and sin, are yet standing in the closest relationship to your God. "Commune with your own heart," with your eye of faith constantly fixed on the cross. You will find nothing in the bleeding heart of Jesus but love. And though you may feel burdened under a sense of guilt, yet look to Christ, and rest all your hope on His finished work.

The blessings which will result from this self-communion are many and great. Such a process of self-investigation will keep you acquainted with the exact state of your own soul. You will know how matters stand between God and your conscience. The creature cannot then encroach on that affection which is due to God, and you not know it. The world shall not make advances, and you not be aware of it. Come away, then, from the family circle—from all the turmoil of the world—seek your chamber—let no one intrude, and there "commune with your heart;"—not with your brother's, not with your sister's heart—but with your own heart; for this is a personal matter. Let the voice of conscience be heard—I must die alone—I must stand at the judgment-seat alone—I am to be searched alone. Let me then draw away my heart from all those I love, and who perhaps too fondly love me, and let me see how I stand with God. Another blessing which will follow this self-communion will be the great promotion of personal sanctity, and increase in holiness. It is impossible for a child of God thus to commune with himself, and not "grow in grace." Only converse with your own heart, and you will be prepared to meet all the temptations that surround you, to resist all the hindrances that beset you. This communion will endear Jesus to your soul. You cannot become more acquainted with your own heart, and not know more of His heart. He will become more precious who has said, "My blood has pardoned all your sin, my righteousness wraps you round, and I will present you faultless before my Father."