The River

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The River

 

Oh where is the river? A friend asked of me,

Can you show me the river, I’m longing to see?

And I waited and pondered and nothing did say,

As I looked for another to show them the way.

Oh where is the river? Say, do you not know,

The way to the river? The way I must go?

But I paused, and I wondered, if I should speak out.

And the devil stepped in, with his fear and his doubt.

How dare I speak out, when there’s others know more?

But Jesus says that’s what He’s training us for,

Some run to the river and quickly leap in,

While others are chained to their fear and their sin.

So some need a leader, who’s out in the deep,

That once in the river, their direction they’ll keep.

And some need a helper, who’ll wait on the shore,

Who’ll help ease their chains off, as they learn to trust more.

To jump in the river, thus chained and bowed down,

Will not bring them freedom, it will cause them to drown,

But Jesus can break off their chains, set them free,

He asks that we show out His love, you and me.

His love will bring freedom; His love will bring peace,

Will cause fear and doubt, - and worry to cease.

His love will bring hunger, and the knowledge we’re dry,

And the courage to leap in the water, and try.

And once we have tried what it’s like to step in,

He will wash us, and cleanse us, of all trace of sin.

His love will seep in, through our skin and our bone,

Till we are assured, without doubt, we’re His own.

When we come to the river, His mercy is great,

For the willing, but fearful, He’s ready to wait,

He asks, that we always, will listen to Him,

That when someone is searching, we’ll be there for them.

That as they grow ready, we’ll help them draw near,

We’ll show them the river, and comfort their fear,

We’ll know the compassion; He has in His heart;

For He knows our failings, and from where each must start.

So we cannot rush; without hearing His voice,

The pace at which others, may take up this choice,

But we can encourage, entice, and prevail,

That there’s more to this river, than to just on it sail.

And we can be ready, where e’er there’s a need,

To push in the bolder, or the fearful to lead

To the river we’ve found, that’s so full of God’s love,

As it flows, never ceasing, from His throne above.

© 30/12/00