Lord,
1. Sheltered by last year’s dead leaves,
Can I spring up anew?
2. Shielded by last year’s sparse crop,
Can I bear fruit, like you?
3. Nourished by last year’s parched growth,
Can I accept your will?
4. Strengthened by last year’s dry stems,
Can I, Lord, serve you, still?
References
1. Some [seed] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root (Matthew 13:5-6; NIV).
2. It has been planted, but will it thrive? Will it not wither completely when the east wind strikes it? (Ezekiel 17:10; NIV).
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).
3. He nourished them with honey from the rock and olive oil from the stony ground (Deuteronomy 32:13; NLT).
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).
4. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21; NIV).
Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only (Luke 4:8; NIV).