Father In Heav'n (Yet Near Enough...)

Ps.9:1-2 &8- 9(read the whole glorious chapter ) I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.I will be glad and exult in you;I will sing praise to your name, O Most High... ...The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble.And those who know your name put their trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Oh how our hearts groan for cares close to home and far away... (yet, oh so near!) I began this poem bright and early but the New Furnace Installers arrivedbright and early as well!And because the computer, where I write is right in the main living areawhere they were constantly walking throughI decided to finish it after they finished, which turns out to be tonight! This poem was inspired in part as the very familiar opening to The Lord's Prayerfilled me with fresh wonder!! Father in Heav’n, (yet near enough to hear Thought’s heart-borne plea)How oft, with reverence and love, through living’s high and lowWe pour before Thy throne of grace, our praise and agonyThere You restore our souls so we can face faith’s cunning foeWhere, without You vainly we grope for hope and comfort trueFor, hopeless is all hope without the hope we find in You Father in Heav’n, (yet near enough to catch a falling tear)No circumstance transcends Your love that reconciles and savesGoodness and mercy’s author, You tread on dread’s storms of fearWhen doubt’s dark tempests bother, You rebuke its wind and wavesAs, through the power of your Word You fit us for the dayFaithful and true, You undergird all who trust and obey Father in Heav’n (yet near enough to be our constant Stay)Your love, an everlasting love that calls us all by nameYou came to seek the lost, for all like sheep have gone astrayAnd though you knew the cost you did no King’s exemption claimBut suffered in our stead the price, redemption’s crown to winOnce and for all, the sacrifice that broke the curse of sin Father in Heav’n, (yet near enough to know our every need)Deliver us from evil with Your love that will not failWhen we do not know how to pray, Lord, kindly intercedeRemind us, come whatever may, Your purpose will prevailNo enemy can intercept what love has overcomeFather in Heav’n, (yet near enough to lead us gently home) Amen © Janet Martin