and still

one does not simply

lie down

in the desert;

too soon overwhelmed

with a million sands

and forgotten under layers.

and still, God's presence would be near.

one does not simply
wander
in this place

-no water, camel, tent.
-so much sun.
-a million miles
from love.

but still, nothing can separate?

Not:
-height, nor depth
nor heat.
-a million layers of sand
where I can't breathe-

It can't stop love.

Each grain of sand, then,
a testimony:
Love never fails.

desert mercy

You make your mercy new (1)*

with each desert sun that seems

poised to snatch it up

and drag it across the sky,

melt it down into the dunes.

My soul thirsts for you

where no water is (2)*

and yet the sun is still

a symbol of your mercy. (3)*

Dry places have desperate

inhabitants, (4)*

But you say that I can have

the very source of living water

inside of me... (5)*

Mercy that I now can

extend in this parched place,

be Your hands (6)*

to share life.

Sun, with light and heat

is a blessing

until You withhold rain. (7)*

We are desperate

waiting

until you reign again. (8)*

Until then,

I will offer a cup of water

in Your name.(9)*

-----------------------------------------

(1)* Lamentations 3:22-23

(2)* Psalm 63:1

(3)* Psalm 136:7-9

(4)* Luke 11:24

(5)* John 7:38

(6)* 1 Corinthians 12:27

(7)* 2 Chronicles 7:13

(8)* Hosea 6:3

(9)* Mark 9:41