The Hunger

Jesus, I've watched You pull away the layers of my life,

The protection I so carefully constructed through the years.

I panicked when You drew away the people that I love (that I NEED).

I kicked and screamed, I fought You every inch,

Until finally Your quiet voice dissolved my agony,

Like warm sun melts away the morning mist.

In quiet desert times like this You teach me who You are and who I am. You stand me on the weighted center on the circle that is us (You in me; me complete in You).

Now I see the unspeakable depth of what I am

Reflected in the truth-mirror of Your eyes.

I see the desperate longing, nagging emptiness, tearing hunger,

and recognize it as a need so deep it shocks and frightens me.

I feel shame, as well-can others see the nakedness of my need?

(I placed it there. It draws you to Me.)

Who can fill it Jesus? Who can I hold on to?

I'm not even sure I understand just what it is I need.

It has to do with love, acceptance, approval, and affirmation-

the things I desperately try to get from those that I love...

Jesus, who can meet a need too deep to understand?

(I love you, child-more than you can know.

I put that hunger within you, and only I can satisfy it.

It is not to be feared or ashamed of,

for it is proof of your belonging to Me.

I never tire of telling you how much I love you.

Will you trust Me? Will you draw back

from what you seem to need so badly,

simply because I ask it?

Will you let Me show you that the emptiness in you

is shaped like Me?

How I long to fill you!

I will not push Myself into your life,

but I long to be there, at the center-loving you, holding you.)

I will trust You, Lord...because I love You.

(There is faith: To trust Me even when what I ask seems impossible to you.)

Jesus, will You bind the hurt? Can you make the pain bearable?

I can keep on loving with open hands and heart

as long as I know You'll be there for me.

(Always, child. Rest in My love, for it is deeper than you need.)

Unknown