HE IS ALWAYS WITH US

He took a look around him and thought he was alone.

The prospects for his future caused him to give a groan.

For years he’d followed Jesus. For years he’d been His friend.

But as he looked around him he asked, “Why did it end”?

Where is the Master’s presence? Why do I feel this way?

He said He’d never leave us. But where is He today?

It feels as though the heavens are one great sheet of brass.

His prayers kept bouncing back to him, as if they couldn’t pass,

Through some gigantic barrier. That’s why he felt cut off.

And Satan’s taunts rang in his ears; “He’s gone away” he’d scoff.

These are tough times of testing. “The dark night of my soul”,

Is what some folk have called it; like God’s not in control.

When we’ve done all the praying, but still something is wrong.

It’s in these times of loneliness; we need to sing a song.

Exalt Him with our praises. Bless His Holy Name!

We may think we’re deserted. That never is His game.

The darkness all around us may be as though it’s night.

But as we wait with patience, He comes forth as the light.

We may pass though the waters convinced we’re going to drown.

It will not overwhelm us. He will not let us down.

The fire won’t consume us. Perhaps we think we’re blind.

But when the clouds have lifted we’ll see the Christ light shine!

The fire will not burn us; the flames He’ll turn aside.

We’ll soon be at His wedding, each one of us His bride.

He’ll smooth off the rough places and make them level ground.

He’s promised when we seek Him, by Him we will be found.

Perhaps we’re in Death’s valley. Do not raise the alarm.

His rod and staff protect us and keep us from all harm.

We know He is trustworthy. It is His guarantee,

That what He’s done for other folk, He’ll do for you and me.

Our little friend was listening. He felt his faith arise.

“No longer will I listen to Satan’s wicked lies.

I know that I’ve just passed through, the dark night of the soul.

But Jesus had His purposes and He’s still in control.

I know that I can trust Him. I’ve trusted Him before.

I may not sense His presence. Regardless, He’s far more,

Than any sort of feeling or anything I see.

He’s still my Lord and Master. I know that He loves me!”

Jim Strickland – Written 20^th November 2011