In this parched and desolate place Where life itself struggles to survive Where no refreshment is seen Here the heat of burden is unbearable I walk on; searching, seeking, sorrowing
As I look to the distance for refreshment I see only a mirage of hope Drawing me forward in my desperation As it moves farther and farther away I so despair of ever reaching it
With hope fading, every step bringing pain Every breath searing my soul Every moment my skin burning with fear I move on, ever more committed Toward promised refreshment and renewal
But the wandering path is hard to follow Narrowing, fading, widening Fret with piercing thorns of sorrow Even difficult to distinguish any longer Obscured by the glare of my despair
But with resolve from deep in my soul I move forward with humble prayer Step by step repeating my mantra Heading toward the cool refreshment I know is ever waiting on the horizon Faintly, yet clearly I keep hearing the call Urging me to search from deep within Pushing me to persevere, to plod on With resolve driven by holy calling Toward the promise and great Hope
Finally, a figure in the distance Waving, calling, showing the way As the path becomes straighter The heat becomes cooler The vision becomes clearer
And the voice crying out Make straight the way of the Lord Rings out clearly in my hearing As I finally see He they call The One With arms waiting to embrace my soul