Abba's Dearly Beloved

The following journey long traversed is unavoidable in our lives
It seeks to answer the inner question of who we are and why 
It dispenses with worthless accoutrements of achievement
and climbing the illusory ladder called self-righteousness

It is a voyage taken inward, and is not trodden alone
Every step is sacred ground with Jesus as our guide
For our Good Shepherd is the one who seeks to reveal
The fearfully and wonderfully made person he made

Layers of defence we have built are stripped away  
Self rejection, shame and wrong belief all will yield
Parted by the gentle and holy voice of our saviour 
His patient work calls out in love the self that we hide

For Jesus invites our hearts to agree with this beautiful truth
We are known as the beloved of God and called by name
He leads us to accept our acceptability in his sight
Even what can cause us to recoil from our very selves 

The cross is the greatest act to testify to this sacred truth
That we are of infinite worth to God who gave Christ for us
not for who we present before God and others on our best day
But for the entirety of our very selves whom Christ died for

Therefore do not call filthy what Jesus has redeemed 
Come out from hiding and cease running from yourself
Allow yourself to be loved as you are for who you are 
By the one who calls you beloved, precious, blessed

© 2026, B. Trowbridge.