O for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heav’nly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!
Where is the blessedness I knew
when first I sought the Lord?
Where is the soul refreshing view
of Jesus and His Word?
What peaceful hours I then enjoyed!
How sweet their mem’ry still!
But they have left an aching void
the world can never fill.
Return, O holy Dove, return,
sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
and drove Thee from my breast.
The dearest idol I have known,
whate’er that idol be,
help me to tear it from Thy throne
and worship only Thee.
So shall my walk be close with God,
calm and serene my frame;
so purer light shall mark the road
that leads me to the Lamb.
William Cowper, 1772
Read Joshua 24:21-24
We’ve been there, haven’t we? We’ve all experienced that feeling that our relationship with God is not what it once was. The hymn writer longs to return to that joy and fervor he experienced when he first met Jesus. Do you recall that feeling? The hymn writer prays for the Holy Spirit’s action, specifically to tear down the idols of the heart that have gotten in the way of his relationship with God. May we be willing and courageous enough to pray that same prayer.