The love that found me

 I was a young girl, like a sheep without a shepherd,

Hated, unwanted, rejected.

I walked the earth in search of affection,

But found only wolves in the guise of rescuers.

They mistreated me,

Took what they wanted,

And left me a shadow of myself.

Though surrounded by others,

I felt utterly alone—

Living but not existing,

Trapped in a world of my own.

I sensed a gap—something missing.

I searched and searched, but nothing filled it.

Every attempt failed.

My spirit yearned,

Yet every glimmer of hope drove me further away.

I retreated,

Convinced of my worthlessness,

And ran far, far away.

But He pursued me.

Leaving the ninety-nine, He came for me.

Though I was undeserving,

He ran after me in tears,

Comforting me with His rod,

Whispering through the scars of His discipline:

"Child, I’m right here.

I would rather suffer Myself

Than see you lost to suffering.

You were never meant to walk alone—

Death waits for you there. Return to the flock."

I looked up, tears in my eyes,

And the kindness in His face gladdened my heart.

But I was confused—

Why must I suffer wounds from His chastening

If He claimed to love me?

He smiled and touched my wound.

"Sometimes, I must hurt to protect.

When you hear My voice,

You will know to answer My call."

"Little one, you are marked by Me.

I own you.

I will lead you to still meadows

And streams of peace."

His love defies description,

Yet I would not trade it for the world.

In Him, I feel secure.

He has clothed me in beauty,

Washed me in His blood,

And covered me with His presence.

I searched for peace and found it in Him.

I yearned for love,

And discovered the kind that surpasses all understanding.

I sought happiness,

And found joy unspeakable in His embrace.

He gave me a new life.

He changed the course of my days.

Pain and sorrow no longer bind me—

He has restored all things,

And left me whole.