We continue in our series this week with excerpts from The Journals of Jim Elliot in the Summer of 1948 as Jim yearns for more of Christ.
JULY 31 1 Samuel 18 When the “Lord was with him,” David had his closest friends as well as his bitterest enemies. Saul hated him and feared; Saul’s family and servants loved him-even the name David became precious (18:30). Father, if Thou wilt, give me the spirit of wise behavior (vv. 14, 30). I shall not care for enemies, nor covet any friendship but that of Thyself. Betty’s letter to her mother I read when given me by Dave just now. She brought out this thought: “The world cannot hate you,”—so said Jesus to those who were of the world spirit. Oh, that it could! The Lord is not enough “with me” that the world can recognize and hate me for what I am—”not of the world.” The world loves its own, and for me it shelters no hatred. Lord, have I wandered so far? Eternal life is to know the “great alone God” (John 17) and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Teach me Thy nature—to be alone more … that I might say ultimately with Christ, “Behold, the children Thou hast given me.” Not asceticism but fellowship with God. Wordsworth put it thus: “The world is too much with us; late and soon … ” But I seek something else beyond what he knew. And I cannot define my craving. Shall one put thirst into words? My soul thirsteth for Thee as the hart panteth after the water brooks. “Oh, let me seek Thee, and, oh, let me find!”
**Excerpt originally published in The Journals of Jim Elliot, pp 75