God, Take My Hand

God once took me by the hand, before I was His child,
When my house was built on sand, before we reconciled.

My attention drawn to Him, He looked at me with love,
Said He saw my eyes were dim, and spoke from up above:

"Should you ever cease to find the joy in the mundane,
Look to me. I'm by your side; My love will never wane.

"When the sun has lost its warmth, and time will only crawl,
When your shadows seem to war, despite what peace you call,

"May your tired soul then seek for deeper meaning here.
I have offered sweet relief instead of joy that's sheer.

"Here is comfort for all time, for every part of you -
Hands and heart and soul and mind. Let love and joy seep through.

"Love of Mine will hold you tight like roots hold down a tree.
You will never need to fright while safely I hold thee.

"Joys of Mine will never fade. Imagine sweet relief
Grasping through the mess you've made, and taken by no thief.

"You are free to leave or take this gift I've sacrificed.
Love demands my heart to make hope you'll not have denied.

"Take this gift, and you will see what joy is known to be.
Love alone doth hold the key - the love I have for thee."

Such rewards who could refuse? The peace I long had sought
Held me now through life's abuse, though I no payment brought.



God again soft grasped my hand when I had turned from Him.
To my feet He made me stand and questioned 'bout my sin,

Wond'ring why I'd turned away from all He'd done for me,
Choosing rather former days when peace I could not see.

It was true. Indeed, I had again turned back to sin,
Thinking I was not bad since sin was covered by Him.

"Lord, do not forsake me now. I know that You are right."
As I spoke, I humbly bowed, penitent in His sight.

"Taking my eyes off You, succumbing to the world,
Knowing what I ought to do, yet letting sin unfurl,

"Lord, I know --" and here I paused, not willing to admit
That I knew my sin's first cause, and yet did still commit.

Knowing I had to confess, because He knows all things,
And heart in great distress, I spoke despite the sting.

"Father dear, I treasured not the sacrifice You gave.
Your repugnance I deemed not enough to spurn sins craved.

"Please forgive my foolish thoughts; increase my small belief.
Use the works Thy hands have wrought to heal me from my grief.

"Teach me how to spurn desires opposing Your great will.
Raise me up from the deep mire of my rebellious will.

"One more favor I have planned to ask: that You will know
To ne'er again take my hand - just never let it go."