I love--words fail to describe how much I love--spending time with Jesus in the early morning hours of the day. Before the sun rises, and before the birds even begin their song, it is a joy and blessing to follow Jesus to the quiet place, far from the rapid pace, where transformation of character is wrought--in the audience chamber with God, beholding the loveliness of Jesus, and getting to know His heart in a way that gives me the freedom to know who I truly am. Such awareness of His infinite love for me in spite of my weakness and sinfulness encourages me to realize my continual need to have Him abiding in my heart by faith to make and keep it pure by His presence! I love how Jesus was focused on the important thing: character building, and helping others to build character!
"He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents, which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches. He weeded all vanity from life, and by His own example taught that every moment of time is fraught with eternal results; that it is to be cherished as a treasure, and to be employed for holy purposes. He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson that was appropriate to the time and the circumstances. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear." {The Desire of Ages, page 91, paragraph 1}
Jesus was safe to go to. He loved everyone. He looked on people in a way that caused them to know they were valued, and had an infinite purpose in God's great plan. I am so thankful for how He weeded vanity from my life--movies, music, and lawlessness--but I love how Jesus laid down good things (heaven, his own food, and his own reputation) in order to bless as many as possible, to reach as many hearts with the Father's tender, paternal love. May I have such an experience is my prayer; may we each have such an experience--which is gained day by day in this "thoughtful hour" beholding, yielding to, and being changed by the loveliness of the character of God in Christ! This is the greatest miracle this side of heaven, and can be consistently lived by constant surrender of the will to Him who lives to make intercession for us, and to prepare us for His imminent return in glory!