Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee , Bernard of Clairvaux 1090 – 1153 AD. Some say Bernard was a kind of early reformer, although he did not speak out against many significant errors of his day. Regardless of his relationship with highly institutional religion, some of his writings indicate a heart after his Savior. This poem, later turned into a hymn, is one of those writings. There is much for us to seek in our own devotion in these few and simple lines.

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the mem’ry find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Savior of mankind!

O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

All those who find Thee find a bliss
No tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus, our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize will be;
Jesus, be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.

Imagevia author, Mutt Lake, Beartooth High Lakes Route, Beartooth Mountains, Wyoming.