Somebody To Jesus

We all have a legitimate need to be affirmed by an outside source.
We search in varied places but don’t succeed, no matter how many people, us, endorse.

Some gorge themselves on affirmation, from other creatures who dwell below.
But they who subsist on such fickle patrons, inevitably fall prey to sorrow.

For those who live by men’s praise, will despair when it is not forthcoming.
Some, noticing this malaise, seek worth elsewhere so to it they won’t be succumbing.

They look to a successful career; gaining status or amassing much wealth.
Others build an altar to family, finding or losing worth in their success and health.

But the career of today can disappear tomorrow, and one’s family is fallible and finite.
These are good things but they’re not ultimate; they can dissolve quickly as mist in sunlight.

The idols mankind worships are many, and in them we seek purpose and worth.
But in the end we’re always left wanting; as we dig, only greater thirst is unearthed.

At the core our desire is to be seen; to be fully loved and fully known.
Only in God can we find satisfaction supreme; He is the Root from which we have grown.

No branch can thrive cut off from the Vine; we were made to love and know God.
But we have sinned and there is a divide, so Jesus, with our sin, was shod.

He died for our sin and rose again, now when we repent and believe,
The affirmation and self worth we seek, we will at last receive.

Our Creator forgives us and says, “Beloved child, welcome home; rest in Me.”
And we respond, “Father, finally I see all this time I was searching for Thee.

Now that I know Jesus the King of kings, and have found out by Him I’m cherished,
My old desires to gain self worth from others, day by day have withered and perished.

I don’t need to be somebody when I’m somebody to Jesus.
In Him we gain a true sense of self; from slavery to seeking men’s praise He frees us.”