Abba's Dearly Beloved

I stand upon the threshold of a familiar place this day
The light has gone from my eyes and my joy has gone astray
It is the aftermath of feeling I’ve let the Lord down
Yet regret becomes interrupted by gentle knocking’s sound

Startled I rise to the door of my heart, the author of the knock to see 
It is Jesus himself, why is he wanting to come to me?
This house that is my heart does not feel presentable to him 
With messy and dark corners where sin or shame has crept in

What is he going to say if I open the door to him 
What If my pain is piled higher when Christ sees the heart he has entered in
Yet even as these fears arise, I sheepishly open the door a crack
I slightly wince as my eyes slowly lift to his, now unable to turn back 

My dear one, Christ says, I’m so pleased you opened the door to me 
I desire to come in to break bread and be with thee
Taken aback by the kind response, I let my saviour enter
What will he think when he sees this fallible heart’s centre?

But in knowing my lamenting thoughts, Jesus takes me in an embrace
Do not despair my friend, for no condemnation exists under my saving grace
Do not be downcast or wallow in shame for what you did or did not do 
For I have already carried within me all that sin’s heartache has caused in you  

Allow me to unburden you of what you have been carrying, not yours to bear
Let me lift your tired eyes viewing things defectively through a lens of despair
For I know every inch of this house that is your heart with nothing that is hidden
My love never falters it remains with you still, from me you will never be driven

For my atoning work for you at the cross will always be enough as a gift given
And I desire that in every room in your heart, all darkness and fear is ridden 
Remember I have set you free, Beloved, you have not blown things with me
Lets sit and break bread together my son, at the table of your heart thereof
Remembering that you sit and are welcomed in the presence of redeeming love 

This Poem was inspired by a picture God gave me during a difficult day of feeling somewhat low that was based in part on the scripture in Revelation 3:20:

Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.

Revelation 3:20 (The Passion Translation)

©2021 B. Trowbridge