Pleasant Pastures

I wrote this poem back in 1979...just a few years after I graduated from high school.  I was a single 21 year old young woman, living in Jacksonville, FL at the time, and I do not remember what I was going through at the time to motivate me to write this.  I just find it interesting and "coincidental" that considering some of the stressful things I've been going through lately in my life, that I just happen to find this poem while going through some paperwork, decluttering my home (which I'm getting ready to sell here soon hopefully!)   It brought tears to my eyes to re-read this, to be reminded that even after all these 35 years, I still am being drawn closer to my Heavenly Father who indeed does love me so much and does have my best interest in mind at all times no matter what I am going through and that He will never leave me or abandon me.  Amen and amen... 

 

 

 

PLEASANT PASTURES - by Patti Brand Stephen (7-9-79)

 

 

My soul has grown weary . . . and I thirst again for Thy pleasant pastures.

Cause me to drink from Thy river, oh Lord for I will find no peace within my heart 'till I am lead by Thee to those still waters once more.

for Thou hast searched me and Thou doest know my innermost thoughts

as Thy word as often told me. . .

 

fill me up Father, for my cup has been sifted and there remains nothing

but empty dust, dry and desolate as a barren dessert.

give strength to my bones as Thy word has so promised me.

Replenish my resources and lead me into the watered garden

whose waters do not fail.

 

Continue to reveal Thy mercies to me and let Thy silence

darken my door no longer.

Take the quiet corridors of my mind and fill them instead with

harmonious singing.

 

Let the peace of Thy salvation infiltrate my entire being

and may my joy be restored to me once more.

Reduce me to love and let me be content to be Thy humble servant

as I fall into slumber's arms.

Wake me with renewed strength that I might increase in my service

and love for you. . .that I might indeed walk and not grow weary,

run and not grow faint.

 

Cause me to hunger for more of You each day. 

Comfort and console me, dear Lord, as a mother comforts her child.

Dry my tears with Thy compassion and make me smile again.

Keep my mind stayed on Thee and in perfect peace

and let nothing come between me and Thee that will create enmity

or remove the hedge that You have placed around me to protect

me from the evil one.

 

Instead, gently take my hand and let my heart be reassured of

Your glorious promises . . .may I claim them each morning as I am led

through this valley of defeat

to Your green pleasant pastures. . .

grazing on the strength and boldness of Thy Word

and drinking from the well of Thy boundless love.