Finding the true Sanctuary.

It is recorded that, one summer's day, the eighteenth-century Christian song-writer, Charles Wesley was sitting by an open window looking out over the bright and beautiful fields. A small bird, flitting about in the sunshine, attracted his attention. Suddenly, a hawk came swooping down towards the little bird. The poor thing, very much frightened, was darting here and there, trying to find some place of refuge. Neither in the bright sunny air, nor in the leafy trees, nor in the green fields,  was there any hiding place from the fierce pursuit of the hawk.

But, seeing the open window, and a man sitting by it, the bird flew, in its extreme terror, towards it, and with a beating heart and quivering wing found refuge on his chest. He sheltered it from the threatening danger, and saved it from a cruel death.

Mr.Wesley was, at that time, suffering from severe trials, and was feeling the need of a refuge in his own time of trouble as much as the trembling little bird did, that nestled so safely in his bosom. So he took up his pen and wrote that lovely hymn –

Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
'Til the storm of life is past.
Safe into the haven guide;
O, receive my soul at last.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found;
Grace to cover all my sin.
Let the healing streams abound; 
Make, and keep, me pure within.
Thou of life the Fountain art;
Freely let me take of Thee.
Spring Thou up within my heart;
Rise to all eternity.

Life getting you down?  Problems appearing to be insurmountable?  No obvious light at the end of the tunnel?  Then go to the One Who asked: "Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to Me.  Get away with Me, and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy, or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  (Matt.11:28-30; The Message).

Go to Him - the true Sanctuary!