Returning to the Lord Himself

Lord

dearest to my heart

I to Thine arms return;

All things from Thee apart can nevermore disturb.

When first in love Thou called

my heart to Thee was drawn;

On silent paths we trod

love’s covenant

our bond.

I consecrated

then

by mighty love constrained;

This Thou would’st ne’er forget; ’twas in Thine heart engraved.

At dawn of youthful days

what lay ahead shined bright;

The altar should have blazed till day of radiant light.

Man’s hearts do idols snare

befuddle

captivate;

They steal them unaware

beguiling them astray.

But love of youth

I found

called ceaselessly

always;

How could I let heart’s ground uncultivated stay?

Though timid

slow my stride

Thou tender yet dost guide

My vineyard dost provide

enrapture me with wine.

Here I respond to Thee

in Achor’s Vale

hope’s door;

Thy face unveiled I see

my long-lost Love’s restored.

I labored long and hard; as “Master” knowing Thee;

Now Thou my “Husband” art; in love I’m trothed to Thee.

Dry cisterns I forsake

life’s Fount again embrace;

Love’s feast with joy partake

immersed in depths of grace.

Dear Lord

I’m wholly Thine: our hearts are twined today;

I’d live

yet “No more I

” be one with Thee for aye.

One space for Thee and me

so loving

intimate

I’d disappear in Thee

fore’er inseparate.