She entered a clearing with trees all around, shooting upward in amazing heights.
Sunlight poured through the trees, casting a golden light on her chestnut brown hair.
Birds twittered to each other in songs of love.
Rabbits entered in and out of the clearing, white fur soft and fluffy.
They looked up at her with curious eyes, and tilted their heads.
A pool of water sat in the middle of the clearing, completely still.
The water reflected the sunlight in beautiful colors.
She went up to the water and peered into it.
A face was looking right back at her.
A face with twinkling green eyes that had laugh lines in the corner.
Eyes that used to cry tears of joy, now cried tears of sadness.
Of loneliness.
Of despair.
A smile that had so often decorated the beautiful face, now lay hidden by misery.
Tears filled her eyes and she crumpled to the ground, sobbing.
Just then she heard footsteps behind her. She lifted her tearstained eyes up.
A man was standing behind her, dressed in a simple white robe. He had long, dark brown hair, and kind, gentle eyes.
"Child, why do you cry so?," he asked.
"I cry because I am all alone, and nobody loves me," she said sadly.
"You are not alone, my dear child. I am with you. You are not unloved. I love you."
"Always?"
"Always and forever!"
He stretched out his arms to her, saying,
"Come, child, I know that you are weary. I know that you seek rest from all your troubles."
She was afraid to come close to him. What if he was lying? What if he was just telling her that, so he could mock her afterwards?
She took a step back, and the man said,
"Do not be afraid, child. I will not harm you."
Finally, she could not take it any longer.
She burst into tears again and ran into his embrace, sobbing on his robe.
Then the man started singing. He had a powerful, yet gentle voice.
"When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path.
For my love is often cold, He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast, for my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those he saves are his delight, Christ will hold me fast, precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast. He'll not let my soul be lost, His promises shall last. Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast.
Justice has been satisfied, He will hold me fast.
Raised with him to endless life, He will hold me fast.
'Till our faith is turned to sight, when He comes at last!"
"Who are you?" She asked.
"I am Jesus Christ, the Messiah," He answered.
"Will you always love me?," She asked.
"I have always loved you. I love you now and I always will love you!," Jesus answered.
"Will you always be with me?"
"I have always been with you. I am with you now and I will always be with you!"
"Thank you."
"You are very welcome, my dear child. And if you are ever feeling alone or unloved, discouraged, or stressed, remember this verse."
"The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18," Jesus said.
"That's a beautiful verse," she said.
"Indeed it is. And it is true," Jesus said gently.
