Oh Lord, I Will Never Deny You Poem by Christen Kuikoua

Oh Lord, I Will Never Deny You
Some cry, "Lord, grant me sight, "
but I whisper, "Lord, grant me You."
For what is sight if the Maker of vision stands before me?
What are eyes worth if they behold the world yet fail to behold their Creator?

Some pray, "God, bless me, "
but I pray, "God, own me."
For if I am Yours, how can I remain without blessing?
If I dwell beneath the shadow of Your wings,
what lack shall overcome me?

Your presence is sweeter than honey upon my tongue,
and Your mercy speaks louder than every accusation against me.
It testifies of a Warrior unmatched,
a King undefeated,
a Father who remembers His children when men forget them.

Among the rulers of the earth,
among the mighty and celebrated,
I have found none to compare with You.
Their crowns rust,
their words fade,
their kingdoms tremble,
but You, O Lord, remain forever.

You are my song and my inheritance.
How shall I remain silent when Your lovingkindness has carried me?
Men have failed me,
promises have broken before my eyes,
yet the Lord my God remembered me and remained.
When affection was temporary,
Your love endured.
When hands withdrew,
Your hand held firm.

Some seek houses and chariots,
gold and silver,
positions and applause.
But I cry with trembling lips:
May I never deny You.

For what is silver beside Your glory?
What is gold beside Your presence?
The treasures of this world are dust beside the breath of Heaven.
To exchange You for earthly gain
would be like trading living fruit for decaying waste,
for You alone satisfy the starving soul.

O beloved Jesus,
fairest among ten thousand,
gentle Shepherd and consuming Fire,
teach me to love You beyond comfort,
beyond reputation,
beyond fear.

If I may ask this one thing of You, Lord,
let me love You so deeply
that distance from You feels like death to my soul.
Let my devotion offend lukewarmness.
Let my affection sound like foolishness to a world that cannot understand love.

Make me reckless in faith,
unashamed in worship,
and unwavering in loyalty.

Merciful One,
keep me from the tragedy of denying You
for fleeting pleasure,
for approval,
for comfort,
or for the passing treasures of this age.

And until the day my eyes behold You face to face,
until faith becomes sight
and eternity opens her gates,
hold my heart captive to Yours.

For I have searched,
and I have found no greater treasure,
no sweeter name,
no safer refuge.

You are my first love,
my song in the night,
my portion forever.

So let my life preach this truth:
I would rather lose everything and keep Christ
than gain the world and lose communion with my Lord.

May I never deny You.

Amen.