By Joy Nevin Axelson

(based on Hosea 14: 4-8)

Your faithless heart, I will win back.
My love for you will know no bounds.
My anger will evaporate,
dispelling mist as sun comes out.

Where once were thorns I will replant
stately, verdant cypress trees.
A timeless portrait of my love,
their fertile opulence will be.

A heavenly, refreshing dew
by angels borne to thirsty soil
will cause your budding faith to bloom 
and you will flourish, full of joy.

Like evergreens in Lebanon,
propel your taproots way deep down.
Infuse the air with fragrant notes;
your branches, spread like cedar boughs.

I know your needs and guard your life. 
Forever, I remain the same. 
All fruit you bear stems from my source;
your holy purpose, now reclaim.

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