Expecting to see trees with blossoms laden,
I walked to my own orchard looking for gain;
But though with each tree great care had been taken,
It was plain to see that my efforts were vain.
Heartbroken, I turned and through my vineyard walked,
In hope of finding for my labor success.
After carefully all the vines had been searched—
There was clearly no fruit but cause for distress.
Knowing that the fields were ready for harvest,
Anxiously I went to take in the sight;
What I had hoped this year might be the largest—
Was covered, row after row, with deadly blight.
Then to the lush fields I went in search of the flock;
There I found death instead of healthy, strong sheep.
Returning to the barn to check the livestock—
Empty stalls I beheld and began to weep.
Falling to my knees in the barn that dark day,
Filled with all kinds of pain and consternation;
I knew I had done my best in every way,
Yet I was left with total devastation.
While there on my knees, that black day before God,
I somehow rejoiced in His great salvation;
And was able to look up—which might seem odd—
Surrounded as I was with this destruction.
As I faced these failures He helped me to pray,
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength, the Sovereign Lord!”
Quite suddenly all my dark fears fled away;
Standing, I placed both feet firmly on His Word.
Though rugged the climb and I suffer greatly,
Surefooted as a deer the Lord makes me be;
Bringing me over all mountains safely,
He proves His grace is all-sufficient for me.
