The words of this poem by the late English poet Francis Thompson shook me to my core when I first read it. It speaks on how this man was seeking the peace that only God could offer in things outside of God Himself while God was simultaneously seeking Him and yearning for a relationship with him. So poignant yet captivating! It’s a long one so I’ve posted just a snippet of it, but if you find yourself intrigued the rest of the poem is available at the link below. Enjoy! 💛
“Hound of Heaven”
I FLED Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated,
Adown Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbèd pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat—and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet—
‘All things betray thee, who betrayest Me.’