BEFORE HIS ASCENSION OUR LORD PROMISED, "I AM WITH YOU ALWAY." In our ever living Lord, the Christian has never far to run for a friend. The Lord is always near unto him. He is a God at hand, ready to help. This fact we should ever hold fast. It would cheer us in gloom, preserve us in temptation, support us in trouble, raise us above our fears, keep us from sin, encourage us in duty, and restore our soul when ready to decline. Friends may leave us, but my God is ever at hand. He is present with heaven and earth at His command. He is present to pity, to reprove, to counsel, and to sustain. But while He is near us, He is equally present everywhere; He is with our friends in distant places, and He is with our enemies in their secret hiding places; therefore He will frustrate their designs and overrule their opposition for our good. Let us retire tonight comforted with the thought "God is at hand," He will watch over me while I sleep; He will guard me; nothing can happen but what He permits; and He stands pledged to make all things work together for my good. My soul, I charge thee never to forget that thy God is nigh at hand!

For Meditation:
Lord, to my spirit's gaze reveal
Compassion written on Thy face;
And let my heart Thy power feel,
Thy perfect majesty and grace.