"Come A-Runnin'"

Their ears pricked forward eagerly,

Manes flying in the air,

They neigh out loud their greeting,

So glad to see you there.

And maybe it’s the bucket,

In which you put their feed,

But possibly it’s something else,

And that’s just what they need.

And that there is a kinship,

With those ponies that you know,

And bonded there together,

That’s how come they show,

Affection and attention,

When you lift up your hand,

And give them all a whistle,

As they trot in from the land.

Sometimes I’m not so eager,

When the Good Lord comes to feed,

My soul with truth and comfort,

And to supply my need.

I get so derned distracted,

By things so mean and small,

Sometimes I overcome it,

And sometimes not at all.

But Jesus is so patient,

He loves me just the same,

When I’m late or inattentive,

He still calls out my name.

Lord, strengthen my attention,

As I listen to Your voice,

Put aside distraction,

And all this worldly noise.

Help me come a-runnin’,

When e’er Your voice I hear,

And help me better realize,

That You are always near.

“…He calls His own sheep by name and lead them out…” (John 10:3, NLT)

Our relationship to Jesus is characterized by many wonderful things according to the scripture. One of them is that fact that those who belong to the Lord come to know Him and recognize His voice. This is an intensely personal relationship, but not meant for only a few. It is actually promised to every child of God. The Lord speaks in many ways - through nature, circumstance, music, people, spiritual gifts, the scripture, and the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within. In all these ways and more, the Lord calls and communicates with us. Being an intentional disciple of Jesus means we are learning how to hear Him better all the time. Listen. The Lord is calling your name.

Lord, help us to listen and follow You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Ken Steinnard, used by permission. Thanks, Ken, and God bless you.