Sometimes the Lord's hand comes upon us in the evening as judgment. If that's the case tonight, let me search my heart for the reason and bear both the rod and Him who appointed it. I'm not the only one who has been chastened in the night season—let me cheerfully submit to the affliction and carefully endeavor to profit from it.

But the hand of the Lord can also touch us in another way entirely—strengthening the soul and lifting the spirit upward toward eternal things. O that I might feel the Lord dealing with me like this! When we sense the divine presence dwelling within us, our souls soar toward heaven as upon the wings of eagles. In those moments we overflow to the brim with spiritual joy. The cares and sorrows of earth fall away. The invisible draws near, and the visible loses its power over us. The servant-body waits at the foot of the hill while the master-spirit worships at the summit in the very presence of the Lord.

O that a hallowed season of divine communion would be granted me this evening! The Lord knows how desperately I need it. My graces languish, my corruptions rage, my faith is weak, my devotion is cold—all these are reasons why His healing hand should be laid upon me.

That hand can cool the heat of my burning brow and stay the tumult of my palpitating heart. That glorious right hand which molded the world can new-create my mind! The unwearied hand which bears the earth's huge pillars up can sustain my spirit! The loving hand which encloses all the saints can cherish me! The mighty hand which breaks in pieces the enemy can subdue my sins!

Why should I not feel that hand touching me this evening? Come, my soul, address your God with this potent plea: that Jesus' hands were pierced for your redemption, and you shall surely feel that same hand upon you which once touched Daniel and set him upon his knees that he might see visions of God.