Near to the Heart
For Women by Women
Submitted by Trish Williams
February 14, 2025
In 1903 a song was written by Cleland McAfee when he lost two nieces to diphtheria within a 24-hour period. Their parents and other siblings were quarantined to their house and could not even attend the funeral. Mr. McAfee sought God for something to ease the grief that not only had stricken the family, but also their town. God gave him the song – Near To The Heart Of God.
The phrase, “near to the heart of God” reoccurring twelve times in the song, is a powerful reminder of where we need to abide – Near The Heart Of God. It is truly a place of quiet rest, comfort, full release, joy, and peace, as the song states—whether amid a raging storm or during the “calm” of life.
Do we abide there, or JUST VISIT when things get too difficult for us to bear or understand?
It is from near the heart of God that direction for our life can be more clearly recognized and the things of life are more easily understood.
Ps 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
God does not desire for us to wander about in life aimlessly or in defeat. But with purpose and the confidence of heart that He is in control of that which we may not understand.
Abiding near the heart of God grants us a sweetness of life and a loving fellowship beyond our comprehension. It is from abiding there that enables us to face or endure the hard things of life more easily than when we have a habit of – just visiting in time of need.
Certainly, God is faithful to His children, and He hears our cries and lifts us up, no matter how far away we may be. Sometimes we, like David, get tossed about and find it necessary to return in our souls to that known place of rest.
Ps 116:7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
As believers, we must trust God in all things and not let our minds be swayed by the wiles of our three enemies. We need to drop our anchor near the heart of God, and be constantly abiding in Him, that we may dwell in the place of quiet rest, joy, and peace which can only be found – Near To The Heart Of God.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Consider: Am I abiding—or just visiting?
