In the loudness of the world, I screamed to make my way
I strove and fought and struggled, not knowing I was clay.
I went to work and got ahead, to speak to all one day
"Look what I've done, Look who I am, Hear what I have to say."

I strove for many things from men, like money and respect
I pierced myself with many sins, went where the harsh wind swept.
I felt a twinge of pain sometimes, but ignored it to be heard.
I wanted all the world would give, I'd take it if I could.

My wounds got larger, deeper as I shouted all the more
I was getting it all, the things I wanted, the world became my store.
In the stillness of my heart, my wounds began to ache
And I grew colder as I bled, the love in me would wait.

I didn't understand and said it was not me,
Men told me of how good I was, in men I would believe.
I went to church, I heard the Word, and left it on that pew
And then I went into the world, and did as I wanted to.

I met a man of nothing, a poorer man than I
He told me of my wounds, He told me of the lie.
He told me that my riches were meaningless, and then
He told me all about myself, He said I needed Him.

I laughed at that old ragged man, what could He do for me?
He had no place to rest His head, and I was one of plenty.
It was then I looked into His eyes, and saw His love for me
It was then my eyes were opened, my wounds in me to see.

I felt the pain, deep in my heart of the things that I had done,
I saw the wounds within my soul, of how the world had won.
I saw the love I laid aside as I struggled to be heard
And I saw a hope that never died, the lovely, precious Word.

The things I had meant nothing then, they were meaningless to me
With my life, I chased the wind, because I couldn't see.
I wanted what I could not keep, I thought I knew my needs,
I compared myself to other men, men just as blind as me.

Deep in the eyes of that old man, I saw eternity
I saw the face of Love that day, I knew He came for me.
I could not stand in His bright light, but asked on bended knee
If He would heal my bleeding wounds, and my heart so I could see.

I never saw that man again, but the voice I hear is He
I asked His name, He said "I Am. I have called you near to Me.
I do not lose my sheep", He said, "nor let them stray far from Me.
I am the Beginning and the End, and My glory you will see."

I see His rod and staff sometimes, as I slowly walk my days
I hear His quiet voice sometimes, as He teaches me His ways.
I walk His path of hills and valleys, sometimes not knowing where
And when He leads me by quiet waters, I know that He is there.

The things of the world seem rusty, the wind seems not so strong
I find that I am silent now, as I slowly walk along
And when I see the dark clouds form, and when the storms begin,
"Abba, Father, are you there?" I ask, and then I hear, "I Am."