And we are these orphans

“In You the orphan finds mercy.” [Hosea 14.3]

And we are these orphans,

forsaken by the false fathers we crafted,

in need of the mercy You alone can give.

We are these orphans,

who flee Your pursuit,

the one who alone can save & secure us again.

We are these orphans,

desperate and dying of thirst

in the wilderness we wandered into.

We are these orphans,

who have stumbled over You,

in search of lesser lovers.

We are these orphans,

caught up in Your arms even still

as Your love brings us to life again.

We are these orphans, saying,

“Take away all iniquity; accept the scarce trace 

of good left within the frames You made.”

But You are the Father,

moved by the cries of the orphans,

on whom You have set your heart.

You are the Father,

who sends out healing for whoring,

giving love, freely, once more.

You are the Father,

the living water we need,

who turns our valley of trouble into a door of hope.

You are the Father,

who caught us in every stumbling step,

unwavering in Your unfailing love.

You are the Father,

who tucks us beneath Your shadow,

that we may flourish again, even after so long.

You are the Father, saying,

“O, my children, you are orphans no more;

it is I who answer and look after you.”