November 28

Nineteenth Thursday after Trinity

In simplicity and godly sincerity. 2 Corinthians 1:12.

God's Holy Spirit will only hold converse with the simple soul. Simplicity, i.e. singleness of heart, is very dear to Him; the gift of a "free Spirit" is specially given where that is found, and He delights to kindle the single-minded with the pure rays of His own bright light. The simple heart has its special troubles; it is wont to be troubled with an overwhelming inward compunction at the thought of its own or other men's sins; God's Holy Spirit knows how to lighten this trial, till the soul learns how even to rejoice in its troubles. "It is good for me that I have been troubled." He pours such a flood of sweetness into the will through love, into the understanding by thoughts of peace, that the entire being seems to rest in utter joyfulness in Him. "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you." He breathes the true spirit of resignation into the simple heart; He enables it to realize how brief the season of sorrow is, how endless the hope before him. Even when His own dear Hand inflicts a merciful wound, He pours in the wine and oil of His ineffable consolations, and His correction seems almost more loving than any caress. Be sure that the simplicity of a Christian heart is more acceptable to the Holy Spirit than the best prepared, most studied devotions; and such a man is likely to benefit more than others by whatever that gracious Spirit vouchsafes to do for him, by reason of his simple unquestioning faith.

Guard Thou, and keep my soul from ill!