I Stand Amazed
By Diane Johnson
December 8, Tuesday – Psalms 26, 28 v 36, 39; Amos 7:10–17; Revelation 1:9–16; Matt. 22:34–46
(ESV Daily Office Readings Online)
Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Psalms 28:9
During this holy time of year, I often think about how, as a child, I learned to love Jesus through Sunday School classes, picture books, and Bible stories. When I close my eyes, I can still see familiar pictures of the baby Jesus and the grown man surrounded by children or tending a flock of sheep. Those childish lessons gave me the best gift I ever received—Jesus. All these years later, He still lives in the center of my heart and my life—He is my strength and my shepherd.
I wrote this in Romania a few years ago while visiting the Alpinis ministry and watching another shepherd tend his flock.
I Stand Amazed
When here in the sweet stillness I safely stay
And all of your handiwork I survey:
This flock at rest; protected all ‘round;
Their shepherd’s soft urging the only sound.
I remember the words I heard as a child;
When all was chaos, your voice so mild.
“I will not leave you along the way;
Give me your trust and close by me stay.”
You the shepherd and angels nearby
Held me and lifted me, lest I die.
You showed me the light when I couldn’t see,
And loved the one you made me to be.
I stand amazed how I knew you then,
Gazing at a picture of your kind mien.
Not yet understanding, but completely sure
That you were my center, the only cure.
True to your word my whole life long,
When I was right and when often wrong,
You’ve loved me and saved me and showed me the way.
First your child, now a woman; no sheep gone astray.
Till here in a place I’ve seen in my mind.
With your children around me, that same peace I find.
And I hear again your voice so dear:
“Trust me; stay by me. I am always near.”
Image by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. (used by permission via Creative Commons).
