Abba's Dearly Beloved

The Lost Sheep:
Where Oh Lord could I find you
When need for you to show was most dire
Your silence became such a painful trial
And from earnest cries where is your answer?

The Good Shepherd:
Lean in beloved, draw close for I am always near
You think your way is hidden from me child
Not one groan from your heart nor from your eyes one tear
Ever escapes my notice of you, my compassion for you is undefiled 

Grieved you were at the silence you felt
At cries you thought went unheard
But know in hearing you my very heart would melt
It would break over your every uttered word 

The Lost Sheep:
It seemed to me I was stuck in a lonely place 
And all avenues I had sought for help were closed
I could not see you there, or your loving face 
Did faithfulness expire? Was your compassion bulldozed? 

The Good Shepherd:
Insisting you knew what was better for you than I
You parted ways from my side and your trust of me ran aground
Yet what promised much proved a forlorn path to try 
And among crags of despair by me were you found

Yet not for one second child has my unfailing love for you diminished 
I am the ever-present help, a comforter in the darkest place
I am the Good Shepherd who seeks you out, my journey remaining unfinished 
Until you are again at peace and resting in my loving arms of grace

Come child take my hand, let me lead you on my ordained path one step at a time
Do not worry for tomorrow’s cares, and things longed for yet to be seen
Today’s affairs are enough for you to contend, and your day’s burdens are mine
For my arms are your sanctuary and my unfailing love a rock on which to lean

The Lost Sheep:
How do I continue trusting you when the way is not clear? 
Or when the waiting is long for breakthrough’s arrival 
And impatience or discontent overtakes, or I’m tempted to fear
How can I maintain my trust in you without doubt being a rival?

The Good Shepherd:
Though there may be mystery to you along life’s journey with me, trust me still
For I am the Good Shepherd and my plans for you are good and true
If doubt ever clouds your mind of my faithful love and perfect will
Look once again at the cross where my perfect love and faithfulness was displayed for you

© B. Trowbridge 2021.