Christ's Presence: Felt and Not Felt

There is a double presence of Christ: felt and not felt.
Christ's felt presence is when he is graciously present and is also pleased to let us know, which is a heaven upon earth. My soul is in paradise when I feel ‘the love of God shed abroad in the heart' (Rom. 5:5), and the countenance of God shining upon me. Then I despise the world, and all, and walk as if I were half in heaven already.
Christ's unfelt presence is a presence of Christ that is secret; when he seems to draw us one way, and to drive us another, that we are both driven away and drawn in at once. When we find our souls go to Christ, there is a drawing power and presence; but when we find him absent, here is driving away. As we see in the woman of Canaan (Matt. 15:21, 22).
We see what an answer she had from Christ, at first none, and then an uncomfortable one, and lastly a seemingly unkind answer. 'We must not give the children's bread to dogs' (Matt. 15:27). Christ seemed to drive her away, but, at the same time, he by his Spirit draws her to himself, and was thereby secretly present in her heart to increase her faith. It is good to observe this type of Christ's dealing with us because it will keep us from being discouraged when we feel him absent. If we find the Spirit of God moving us to love the word and ordinances, to call upon him by prayer, and to be more instant, certainly we may gather there is a hidden, secret presence here that draws us to these things. Nay, more, that the end of this is to draw us nearer and nearer, and at length to draw us into heaven to himself. God's people are gainers by all their losses, stronger by all their weaknesses, and the better for all their crosses. It should teach us to depend upon him, 'though he slay me,' as Job did (Job 13:15). Our souls should never give up on seeking Christ, praying, and endeavouring, for there is true love.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Love of Christ (Bowels Opened), pp. 206-08 [204-06]
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