Appreciated

Appreciated

by Joel Howard

Too many of us feel 

Lost and deflated

Our sins, our doubts

We, less than elated

Forlorn, dejected

Past expiration

Lacking, wanting

Appreciation

The warm, subtle glance

Of a father who's waited

The gentle, soft touch

Of a mother's affection

The love of a friend

Who is closer than others

The preference of them

A word of affirmation

The chaos of life

Prevents our connection

The devil creeps in

And lobs his objection: 

"You?" he does laugh

And then snitches an answer:

"You're just old news"

And he roars with his laughter

We think we're goners

We think we're rejected

Then God comes through

With his deepest affection

"Child, you're mistaken

If you think you're missing

If you're 'alone' there's

one thing you're forgetting

I saved you with precious blood

that of Jesus'"

Then he removes all the doubt

That's between us

"Come sit right here

Lay your head on my breast

Jesus will give you the love

That is best"

Suddenly you and I feel

Divine affirmation

Holy anointing

Divine appreciation

In older days, we sunk 

Again in our shame

But through Christ

He speaks the "amen" once again!

Tough luck, ol' Satan!

You've no grip on me

I'm called the apple 

Of the One King of kings!

With his love upon me

I have no need for thee!

I'm the dark of your eye

Oft obscure, surely hidden

Yet darker the blood

That makes me the forgiven

Lost we together

Yet one day in heaven

Perfectly spotless

The Bride, the forgiven

Appreciated?

Yes, yes!

I am living