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.