A River Runs Through It
Copyright 2005 by Jon Gill

“Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.
The beasts of the field will glorify Me,
The jackals and the ostriches,
Because I have given waters in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert,
To give drink to My chosen people.
The people whom I formed for Myself
Will declare My praise.”
~Isaiah 43:18-21


Returning to this desert place
I cannot pretend to love
Sweat drips from my frowning face
Hid from the sun above
I am a man of scenery
And this is not my style
What evil machinery
Has made me stay the while?
My son, do not fear the wild
Though long has it been dry
A father shall sustain his child
You have never left my eye
And even as you walk through sand
I have a surprise for you
Be mindful of my steady hand
As I guide you through.
My Lord, it’s hot and I am sore
I cannot continue on
My tired feet can do no more
I must flee from the sun
My lips cannot give you praise
For they are far too dry
How many more of these days
Before I will just die?
My son, do not look to former roads
To what you think you see
There is a place to ease your load
If you will follow me
If water’s what you need to live
There’s an everlasting well
A river runs from it to give
Life to what was hell.

Remember, child, that in your heart
Flows eternal springs
So no matter where you start
You need not fear a thing
For wherever you may go
The river goes with you
A desert where fresh water flows
Is one you can get through.


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