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 20th November 2011
