Our heavenly Father constantly draws us with cords of love. But ah! how slow we are to run to him! How we drag our feet when he gently pulls us close!

He draws us to trust him with a simpler, stronger faith. But we have not reached Abraham's confidence. We refuse to leave our worries with God. Instead, like Martha, we cumber ourselves with endless tasks and responsibilities. Our meager faith brings leanness to our souls. God has promised to fill our mouths if we'll only open them wide—but we keep them shut tight.

Even tonight, he draws you to trust him. Can't you hear him calling? "Come, my child, and trust me. The veil is torn! Enter into my presence. Come boldly to my throne of grace. I am worthy of your fullest confidence. Cast your cares on me. Shake yourself from the dust of your anxieties and put on the beautiful garments of joy."

But alas! Here we are, called by tones of love to this blessed, comforting grace—and we will not come.

Or he draws us into deeper communion with himself. We've been sitting on the doorstep of God's house, and he bids us advance into the banqueting hall to feast with him. But we decline the honor. There are secret rooms not yet opened to us. Jesus invites us to enter them, but we hold back.

Shame on our cold hearts! We are but poor lovers of our sweet Lord Jesus. Not fit to be his servants, much less his bride. And yet he has exalted us to be bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh—married to him by a glorious marriage-covenant. Herein is love!

But it is love that takes no denial. If we will not obey the gentle drawings of his love, he will send affliction to drive us into closer intimacy with himself. Have us nearer he will.

What foolish children we are to refuse those bands of love, and so bring upon our backs that scourge of small cords, which Jesus knows how to use!