Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts!

I spent a few moments reading notes and quotes in the fly leaves of my bible. I could recall why I entered some of the notes and quotes: from sermons, studies and meditations. The following I entered into the front pages in the 1970,s. I had my bible rebound then and it was on the newly added pages.

These are the words of Bernard of Clairvaux, written in the twelfth century.

Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts!
Thou Fount of life, thou Light of men!
From the best bliss that earth imparts
we turn unfilled to thee again.

(I now add, to this writing, the following to complete the verses.)

Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;
thou savest those that on thee call;
to them that seek thee thou art good;
to them that find thee All in all.

We taste thee, O thou living Bread,
and long to feast upon thee still;
we drink of thee, the fountainhead,
and thirst our souls from thee to fill.

Our restless spirits yearn for thee,
where'er our changeful lot is cast; glad,
when thy gracious smile we see, blest,
when our faith can hold thee fast.

O Jesus, ever with us stay;
make all our moments calm and bright;
chase the dark night of sin away,
shed o'er the world thy holy light.

“The hymns written by Bernard give an indication of what kind of person he was. It is difficult to sing his hymns without being drawn into a deeper and sweeter fellowship with the Lord. They stir up our love for the Lord and lead us into the enjoyment of His name. Surely Bernard had a living walk with the Lord. His experience of the Lord was deep, intimate, and sweet in spite of the dark age and environment in which he lived.”

Neglecting to walk and talk with the Lord consistently is a failing that I remind myself to avoid. It is my struggle and asking forgiveness of God for my slothfulness is ever before me. Bernard presented a good example for me to correct my omissions.

The Scriptural reminder comes to my heart, “Col 2:6-7 as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

As I mediate on “so walk in Him” I am reminded to complete this duty. Bernard said:
"The cause of loving God is God. I spoke the truth, for He is both the efficient and final Cause. It is He who gives the occasions, it is He who creates the affection, and He consummates the desire."

I thank God for His consistent love for me.

Eutychus