[141]. A Message From A Poem – In Front, Behind, And To The Sides

[141]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – IN FRONT, BEHIND, AND TO THE SIDES

{{Romans 8:35 “WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”}}

{{Romans 8:39 “nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to SEPARATE US from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”}}

Why do some Christians feel the Lord has abandoned them, or has taken leave of them? Others ask, “Where was the Lord when I had my troubles?” Would this be a case of looking inwardly and not having your eyes on Jesus? Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Are we in the Lord’s hands? Most certainly we are. He will always go before but He also protects us from the rear and the sides. That is what this poem is about. This is God speaking to Israel - {{Isaiah 52:12 “You will not go out in haste nor will you go as fugitives for THE LORD WILL GO BEFORE YOU and the God of Israel will be YOUR REAR GUARD.”}}

The poem considers our Christian journey. How much thought do we give to that journey? Some of us are just beginning and others of us are close to the end. This is a poem of confidence.

==================================================================

IN FRONT, BEHIND, AND TO THE SIDES

The Lord walks with me all along the way.

He goes before and follows up behind.

He journeys on each side, and He will stay

With me always, in my walk, and my mind.

================================

A smooth path for us was never promised;

There are enemies and difficulties.

These can not overcome – snatch the conquest;

Let the Lord deal with Satan’s subtleties.

================================

We are journeying on victory’s road;

Both you and I, we travel together.

The Lord walks with us to carry the load.

That bond – nothing in this life will sever.

================================

What lies before us, our dear Lord will know.

What is behind, on that He closed the door.

What lurks beside us – the Lord knows each foe;

Impresses on us what He has in store.

================================

Therefore, nothing can diminish our hope,

As we press on forward to our reward.

Each step the Lord lightens, and on each slope,

His hand upholds us, for He is on board.

================================

10 October 2021 R E Ferguson Metre – 10 throughout A-B-A-B