Companionship with Christ a Precious Experience, November 30

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:3, 4. Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the presence, passing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, passing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work. These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened. Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him,—this is our need. Happy ... the precious experience pictured in these words from the Song of Songs: “As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under His shadow with great delight, And His fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting-house, And His banner over me was love.” —Education, 260, 261.