Why?

I want to kneel here and pray
 about the way I feel today,
About the way You woke me up
 and how again You filled my cup.
The living water from Your word
 had satisfied my soul, O Lord.
I felt the hope that I could face
 my daily duties by Your grace.

But somehow as the day wore on,
 my consciousness of You was gone.
I felt so empty, tired, and lone
 –so empty, tired, and so alone.
I felt I must at any cost
 regain the peace that I had lost.
I longed to come apart and hear
 some words to know that You were near.

“O Lord, why do I feel this way?”
 I asked—and seemed to hear You say:

My child, believe I understand
 your need for Me to take your hand
And speak to you those words of cheer
 that reassure you I am near.

Cannot the One who made the seas
 be trusted, child, to meet your needs?
Cannot the One who made the ear
 be counted on, your prayer to hear?
I’d never bring you needless pain.
 Please listen, son, while I explain:

This loneliness within your soul,
 this longing to be really whole,
This emptiness within your heart
 was placed by Me there from the start.
Because this loneliness you feel
 becomes conviction that I’m real.
And all the waiting, hanging on
 will bring you joy and peace, My son.

So simply do My will and rest,
 convinced that what I choose is best.
And in the meantime as you go,
 believe your hurt I also know.

© 2009 Lewis Caviness
He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
— Psalm 94:9, New King James Version.