Friday, June 05, 2009

In Search of the Lamb


None Other Lamb

by Christina Georgina Rossetti
(1830 - 1894)

None other Lamb, none other Name,
None other Hope in heav'n or earth or sea,
None other Hiding-place from guilt and shame,
None beside thee!

My faith burns low, my hope burns low;
Only my heart's desire cries out in me
By the deep thunder of its want and woe,
Cries out to thee.

Lord, thou art Life, though I be dead;
Love's fire thou art, however cold I be:
Nor heav'n have I, nor place to lay my head,
Nor home, but thee.

The want of God's presence can burrow a hollow place in our souls. It is an empty place of misery and need. A place as dark as death, wintry as icy rain. We cry. Seek. Long. Yearn. Pray. Plead. Walk. Kneel. Lift hands. Raise voice. Give heart. Fight shadows. Fear faint.

Yet, wait.

As the wick of the candle grows low, our wear grows great. And in this moment we remain. Pained. Battling doubt and searching for Surety. Our strength spent, we give all to our only Promise. The struggle ends as our spirit sinks into surrender.

And then we hear the Spirit speak. His voice whispers. It is still. . . . Small. Low. But, strong.

"Hold on, dear one." "Hold on."

Hope within grasps sweet assurance. His presence sweeps over our soul. And new strength surrenders to what we know. Joy is waiting. He will bring it on dove's wings with an early morning sun. Our tears will give way to victorious praise. The night season will pass, and our faith will realize fullness.

Dear ones, we all know these dark seasons. They can be so restless and weary. If you are living there today, perceive its temporary merit. Yet, value its eternal purpose. Know this crucible of want will have its end just as it had its beginning. Our blessed Refiner will remove you from your fiery grief, wipe away your tears, rub away the dross, and polish you to glassy silver. And what mirrors will not be your own image. In the shining silver, you will see Christ's holy face, Your precious Lamb.


"For You, O God, have proved us; You have tried us as silver is tried, refined, and purified."
Psalm 66:10, Amplified Bible
Have a Beautiful Weekend!

24 comments:

  1. Dear Andrea,
    Thank you for such beautiful words of encouragment - I needed to hear those today!
    Have a blessed weekend!

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  2. Mrs. Andrea,
    Thank you so much for this post today...every word was meant for me! Sometimes, when it seems we are at the end of our rope, then our Lord reaches out and whispers sweet peace! I have been going through that today, but praise the Lord, He led me to your post. It was the added strength that I needed to keep on or to hold on as you said! Without those dark times, we would never learn to rely on the Lord. Even the dark times, can be for His honor and Glory!

    Jennifer

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  3. I don't know what else to say but,
    Thank you.

    God bless,
    Heather

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  4. As always dear friend, you encouraging words bring us always, closer to Our Saviour.

    Thank you for writing such beautiful prose!

    God bless and Happy Birthday to your son :)

    lady m

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  5. Can we ever get our fill of such encouragement? Is there ever a day when The Lamb of God is not a comfort?

    To think that we shall see Him one day simply captivates me.

    What precious, beautiful thoughts, my friend.

    Thank you. Hugs,
    Kathleen

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  6. What a beautiful way to say "hold on, your joy will return." Everyone needs to read this post, so poetically penned. And we wait for the Lord in trials. He's faithful.

    Love you,
    Mary

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  7. Hi Andrea,
    My first visit to your blog and certainly not the last. It is so inspirational. God bless you!
    Blessings~

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  8. Dear Andrea, You write so beautifully.
    I will have to reread this post again and again.
    The picture of the sheep eating in the field is outstanding...that is gorgeous.

    Congrats on your son's 30th Birthday. That's something to be very happy about!

    It is a pleasure to know you.
    ~Deanna~

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  9. What a very timely post. So much despair, grief and depression on every hand. Oh that all, could behold the Lamb!

    Blessings Andrea, hope you have a great week-end too!

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  10. Dearest Andrea,
    Thank you.... for the sweet encouragement!!

    Love & Hugs~ Miss Jen

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  11. How grateful I am to know that a dim season is always lit my the still strong fire of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your inspiration and pensive thoughts! Many blessing, Ramona

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  12. I can read your posts over and over again. Thank you.

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  13. I'm committing to prayer that somehow your beautifully penned words will find their way to a publisher. He will lead...

    Blessings to you and your beautiful son for a wonderful celebration honoring his life...

    Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain...

    Rebecca

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  14. What a beautifully written uplifting post..."Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning!"

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  15. Such encouragement, friend. Thank you for offering us the bigger picture beyond the pain. Hope. Honestly, how does this world live without it?

    peace~elaine

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  16. What a beautiful photograph you have posted, of sheep grazing so contentedly, hearts fully trusting they are safe under the watchful eye of their shepherd.

    How encouraging your words are to the weary heart. Yes, it won't be long now. Our redemption draweth nigh.

    I thank God for once again giving you the sweet inspiration to write such timely words.

    And I thank you... a visit to your blog site is always a welcome treat for me.

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  17. Hi Andrea,

    I can always find peace and rest for my soul in the warmth of your words.
    Thank you! And I pray that whatever needs to may have today that the Lord would meet them and you would be blessed!

    xoxox Cori

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  18. Hi Andrea,
    Thank you so much for your words of encouragement on my blog. I think it's important to be true to yourself and being a christian woman is a priority in my life. I have really enjoyed reading your posts and knowing that others feel the same way I do.
    Sisters in Christ,
    Lisa

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  19. Thank you for visiting my blog and the sweet comments you left. I really love the sheep artwork on this post.

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  20. Refining Fire of Heaven, burn off the chaff, until all that's left is Christ formed in me, the Hope of Glory. We are so desperate for the Rain of His Presence upon us. Show us Your Glory Lord!

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  21. Andrea,

    Your words have once again touched my heart! You have such a way of bringing the Lord's word to my everyday life. I plan on sharing this post with one of my friends that I feel certain will be blessed by it. I also want to thank you for your very gracious words about the tea party:) You always bring such joy!

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  22. So, so true. Good writing and insight.

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  23. The image of the mirror is lovely. We look in, skeptical, and miraculously we see not our own tired face, but Jesus. Beautiful!

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Thank you for visiting. I cherish your thoughts. You are special to me, but most of all, you are special to God, who loves you with everlasting love. May your life be swept into His joy and peace.

In the Wonderful Love of Christ our Savior,

Andrea