Psalms and Laments 4
This is page 4 of Psalms and Laments. Page one is is located here, Page 2 here, and page 3 here.
Since retiring a few years ago I’ve had the opportunity to do… well… nothing if I don’t want to. During those “nothing” times I do a lot of thinking and reflecting. Which sometimes leads to random thoughts that ultimately find their way to paper. And, it happens very quickly! If not, it’s gone!
Now to be sure, I do not consider myself a poet – not by a long shot! I simply look for a creative way to express a thought or a personal experience I’ve had, that in turn may encourage someone else.
I usually include a photograph. Sometimes the visual aids in telling the story, other times, oh, just because. So, if you’d like, then read on. And, if you want to share with others – of course!
The Least of These
In a secret place,
Where silence kept,
My heart was bound,
And my soul wept.
A ransom paid,
The debt set free,
Your love remade,
The heart in me.
My life reborn,
By grace renewed,
A tender spark,
In likeness hewed.
Yet trials come, as oft they do,
To temper faith and make it true,
But still I chase your higher call,
To love the lost, both great and small.
And when my final day I see,
What will my answer truly be?
Did I serve the least, with all of me?
For there, O Lord, you came for these.
When Shadows Fall
When songbirds lose their joy to sing,
When colors fade each season brings,
When shadows fall,
Against nature’s call,
It brings about a deepening.
When souls are quenched,
And nightfall creeps,
Rise up, rise up, awakening,
Take your stand,
And start to dance,
Let’s give love another chance.
Now’s the hour that we’ve been given,
Be bold, be brave, let’s start living,
In darkest nights, ignite the flame,
Let’s burn bright and seize the day.
Shadows
If I didn’t live in shadows,
And my color was restored,
Would you still know me by name,
Would I still go on ignored?
If the sorrow left my shoulders,
And the night released its hold,
Would the world still pass me by?
And would my story just turn cold?
If I stepped into the sunlight,
And the world could see my face,
Would I lose the quiet comfort,
Of Your hidden, healing grace?
Perhaps the gray is mercy,
A veil to keep me small,
Lest in the light of human praise,
I forget who hears my call.
I’m known by Him who fashioned,
Every scar and every bone;
I’d rather walk the shadows deep,
Than be shining and alone.
On the Edge
When you’re looking over the edge of life,
Amidst the sorrow and the strife,
Don’t look down below your feet,
Spread your wings and let them beat.
Your faith was never meant to stay,
Within the walls where comfort lay,
Christ still calls through storm and flame,
“Trust My heart and speak My name.”
Walk the ridges few will climb,
Stand for truth through darkened times,
For narrow roads and mountains steep,
Are where the Shepherd guards His sheep.
Why Not Me
Why not me,
When you made your choice?
Why not me,
When you raised your voice?
I watched you rest,
On another bloom,
While I stood silent,
In shadow’s gloom.
But God still sees,
What some pass by,
Still sends the rain,
From heaven’s sky.
So I will trust,
What I cannot see,
What passed me by,
Wasn’t meant for me.
Day by Day
When you think you’ve turned a corner,
There’s another roadblock just ahead,
But there’s no fear in perfect love,
Just trust the Son, and only him.
The path may wind through storm and gale,
And tears may fall where dreams once stood,
Yet every trial is known by God,
Who works all things for lasting good.
Though life may throw its sharpest curves,
His faithful hand still leads the way,
The cross reminds us hope endures,
And dawn will rise above the gray.
So when the journey turns again,
And answers seem so far away,
Walk on in faith, for Christ is near,
He’ll guide you safely day by day.
