PRECIOUS HIDING PLACE

          When we accept the free gift of salvation, not only do we receive eternal life and the assurance of heaven, but we receive so much more as well.  One of the blessings that is ours is the assurance of the Lord's presence in our daily lives.  He gives us divine guidance and He becomes our rock, our hiding place when the storms of life surround us.  He shelters us no matter how dark the night may be around us - He is our precious hiding place.  And we are reminded of that truth in this week's hymn choice which was written by Avis M. Christiansen in 1918.  Encouraged by her grandmother, a godly woman who "loved the music of the soul expressed in verse", Avis wrote her first poem at the age of ten.  Then one morning in Moody Church, as she listened to a song by Harry Loes, the Lord reminded her that the talent entrusted to her belonged to Him.  Her immediate longing to express His love and blessing was the start of her writing poems that were turned into hymns.  This one was set to music by Wendell Loveless who himself wrote many Gospel hymns and choruses and also provided the music for many written by others.  In 1917, Avis married Ernest C. Christiansen, who later became vice president in charge of investments for the Moody Bible Institute. In spite of fulfilling the many duties of a busy homemaker, she continued to write with unfailing zeal.  Author and Bible teacher Harry A. Ironside wrote:  "Avis B. Christiansen is the gifted author of many of our sweetest gospel songs. By means of these her name is known around the world, for many of these delightful lyrics have been translated into various languages. She is a modest, retiring person whom few get to know beyond the circle of her immediate family and friends. With a very keen apprehension of spiritual realities, and a clear understanding of the great truths revealed in the Word of God, her hymns and poems are eminently Scriptural and soul-uplifting."  Now I don't know what you may be facing today, but meditate upon the words of this hymn knowing that He will protect you in the shelter of His love.  Precious hiding place - not a doubt or fear, since my Lord is near, and I'm sheltered in His love.  May you claim that truth this week as you encounter the challenges of life that will come your way.

(1)    I was straying when Christ found me

In the night so dark and cold;

Tenderly His arm went round me,

And He bore me to His fold.

Precious hiding place,

Precious hiding place,

In the shelter of His love;

Not a doubt or fear,

Since my Lord is near,

And I'm sheltered in His love.

(2)    With His nail-scarred hand He bro't me

To the shelter of His love;

Of His grace and will He taught me,

And of heav'nly rest above.

Precious hiding place,

Precious hiding place,

In the shelter of His love;

Not a doubt or fear,

Since my Lord is near,

And I'm sheltered in His love.

(3)    Tho' the night be dark around me,

I am safe, for He is near;

Never shall my foes confound me,

While the Savior's voice I hear.

Precious hiding place,

Precious hiding place,

In the shelter of His love;

Not a doubt or fear,

Since my Lord is near,

And I'm sheltered in His love.

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