He sought me when I sought Him not;
I went my way, content,
In thoughtless disregard of Him
Whose thoughts on me were bent.
He followed me, and still pursued,
Though little did I heed,
He hedged my way, in wondrous grace,
And showed me my deep need.

He loved me when I loved Him not;
I loved this world, and sought
To drink more deeply of its joys,
Till He, in mercy, brought
My soul to find in Him my joy,
His love, my wine, my meat,
My peace, my hope, my comfort, rest,
My satisfaction sweet.

He served me when I served Him not;
My Substitute became,
And now He sits at God's right hand
And serves me still the same-
As Advocate, as Great High Priest,
As Intercessor, for He pleads my cause; when oft I fail
My soul He doth restore.

He sees me though I see Him not;
And yet, by faith's dim eye,
I do discern Him there upon
The Father's throne on high.
But I shall see Him, face to face,
His triumph, mine, complete,
And I shall have a shining crown
To cast at His dear feet.

M. A. Shirley