Himself

Though there are many times I drew my Shepherd and His little lamb, I have never attempted to draw the cross at all as far as I could remember, though the image of the cross has touched me countless times in my life. His nailed-pierced hands, the crown of thorns on His head, the bloody wounds on His back, the totally abandoned Son hanging helplessly on that old rugged cross, simply for me, the image of the highest form of love. How many times this image has seen me through the most difficult times in my life, leaving me with gratitude in my heart, that if He gave up His life for me, how would He not save me out of all the troubles I am in?

Pardon the “religious” sounding blog today, this blog was never meant to be preachy, but a venue for me to keep in touch with my loved ones, and to download my thoughts, document some little episodes in life, and most of all, to encourage me to draw again. However, it would never be void of the Shepherd, as He is my constant dependence, my most dear Friend.

What a coincidence it must have been yesterday, as I sat to listen to the teaching during bible study, the above image suddenly flooded my imagination, seeing a little lamb, standing at the foot of the cross, beholding the ages’ most important episode, the moment where the universe’s most important Being hung on a tree to express His eternal love for me. And at that moment I heard one of the most beautiful poems written, and it touches me. In the past, He was merely my fire insurance, a rope to hold on to, just in case heaven is real. Now He is every reason for my being, for all that I do. Hope you too will find strength, hope, and all that you ever need in Him, in Christ alone, only Him.

HIMSELF

by A. B. Simpson

It was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;

Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.

Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;

Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;

Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.

Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;

Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;

Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.

Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;

Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;

Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.

Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;

Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;

Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.

Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;

And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.