Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Feelings of Despair 33the Lord descended upon me like the gentle dew. I praised God fromthe depths of my heart. Everything seemed shut out from me but Jesusand His glory, and I lost consciousness of what was passing aroundme.The Spirit of God rested upon me with such power that I wasunable to go home that night. When I did return, on the followingday, a great change had taken place in my mind. It seemed to methat I could hardly be the same person that left my father’s house theprevious evening. This passage was continually in my thoughts: “TheLord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” My heart was full of happinessas I softly repeated these words.My views of the Father were changed. I now looked upon Him asa kind and tender parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling mento a blind obedience. My heart went out toward Him in a deep andfervent love. Obedience to His will seemed a joy; it was a pleasure tobe in His service. No shadow clouded the light that revealed to me theperfect will of God. I felt the assurance of an indwelling Saviour, andrealized the truth of what Christ had said: “He that followeth Me shallnot walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”My peace and happiness was in such marked contrast with myformer gloom and anguish that it seemed to me as if I had been rescuedfrom hell and transported to heaven. I could even praise God for the [32]misfortune that had been the trial of my life, for it had been the meansof fixing my thoughts upon eternity. Naturally proud and ambitious,I might not have been inclined to give my heart to Jesus had it notbeen for the sore affliction that had cut me off, in a manner, from thetriumphs and vanities of the world.For six months not a shadow clouded my mind, nor did I neglectone known duty. My whole endeavor was to do the will of God andkeep Jesus and heaven continually in mind. I was surprised and enrapturedwith the clear views now presented to me of the atonement andthe work of Christ. I will not attempt to further explain the exercisesof my mind; suffice it to say that old things had passed away, all thingshad become new. There was not a cloud to mar my perfect bliss. Ilonged to tell the story of Jesus’ love, but felt no disposition to engagein common conversation with anyone. My heart was so filled withlove to God and the peace that passeth understanding that I loved tomeditate and to pray.