Near to the Heart of God

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There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart to God.  This is such a sweet song of comfort reminding us what it means to be near God’s heart.   It has a sad, but good story behind it. 

Lyrics

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

Author and History

Cleland B McAfee wrote this lovely hymn upon the death of his brothers two daughters. The girls died within 24 hours of each other from diptheria.  This double catastrophe broke McAfee’s heart. Part of his pain was that no one would be able to give his brother solace as the house was under quarantine.  He wrote his song to comfort him and the choir that sang it the first time went to his brother’s house and sang to him.  (source)

McAfee was a Presbyterian pastor, he served churches while being on the Faculty at Park College. As a graduate of Park College, this Missouri native also served as the choir director. 

Pondering Further

A place of quiet rest near to the heart of God.  Doesn’t that sound like a lovely place to be?  Seriously.

A place where we can let our troubles go and find joy and peace. 

This is what it means to be a believer.  To know that you always have a place of comfort. It’s knowing that God is always there. Giving us the safety, peace, and security that we need.