My Dearest Friend

A dear old friend I missed today;

I said goodbye and went my way.

I knew that parting would be hard,

For this close bond I would discard;

But though I knew I would be fine,

I couldn't help but for them pine.

My face I lifted to the sky

And thought of God looking on high.

I wondered if he heard my cry

Or if my plea He had denied.

I wondered if He cared for me

If so why did He let this be?

I softly whispered in the night,

"Remember when I had that plight?

I asked that You would help me fight

And send a friend to bring delight,

And though I had to wait some years,

They came in time to wipe my tears.

But Lord, now they have gone away.

I wish it hadn't been this way.

And now I'm left alone again

To wrestle through and bear the pain."

A dear old friend I called today;

He saw me when I bent to pray.

And though I hurt and broke His heart,

He offered me a brand new start;

He called me His and asked to dine

And fill me with His love Divine.

He gently whispered in my ear,

"My child, your cries I always hear.

I may not give you what you plead,

But always give you what you need.

I'm here your sins and griefs to bear,

So cast your burden, leave your care.

A gift I gave. You named it 'friend',

But now in me, you don't depend.

And since you prayed I save your heart,

I had to ask that they depart.

Forgive me, child," He softly sighed, 

"I vow I’ll never leave your side."

"Forgive, oh Lord, my selfish heart.

Here lay my hands now open wide.

Please take the gift you gave that day,

And in its stead, I pray You stay?"

A dear old friend I found today!

His name is "Truth", "The Life", and "Way"!

He brings me hope from day to day,

Reminding me, amidst the fray,

That though all bonds on earth might end,

I’ve found in Him my dearest friend.