Poem- "Worry"

Worry is a definite weakness of mine. It is so easy for me to dwell on what may happen and grow anxious, instead of trusting in the loving control of my King.  Corrie Ten Boom said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” That is so true! If I'm imagining everything that may happen, or being stressed over circumstances, I'm trying to take my life into my own hands. That never goes well, because I can't change anything- I can only make myself miserable! More than that, it is sinful. When faced with worry, I have to choose to remember who is truly in control, and trust His perfect plan.

"Worry"

Worry is an enemy

That seeks my joy to steal.

It tries to take my eyes off Christ,

And on to what I feel.

If I cling to worry,

All peace is quickly gone.

An anxious heart will soon drown out

All loving, trusting song. 

Have I forgotten Who's in charge

And orchestrates all things?

Do I think that He who died for me

Won't care what my life brings?

A trial or chance of sorrow 

Presents me with a choice.

Will I dwell on what might happen,

Or listen to His voice?

Instead of anxious wond'ring

About what the future holds,

May I ever trust my God,

As He His plan unfolds.

"For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord."
Psalm 112:6-7

Poem- "In Waiting"

God gave me this poem earlier this year in the midst of circumstances which pressed me to a level of surrender deeper than I had ever experienced before. In light of what several friends are going through, now seemed the time to post it. 

"In Waiting"

"Hope deferred makes sick the heart."

Perhaps the proverb's true,

But though hard pressed, I'll not be crushed

If my hope lies in You.

To wait still more seems much too cruel;

A burden I can't face,

But should this cup be mine to drink,

I know You'll give me grace.

The beauty of this dream can't be 

The prize to which I cling,

For only when You are my all

Can my heart freely sing.

It's through the waiting You refine

And shape my heart to be

A heart like Yours, and sanctify 

The dreams You've given me.

Our Hope

"Paul, and apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope..." (1 Timothy 1:1)

Here Jesus is identified as our hope. In every sorrow, heartache, difficulty, or unknown, we have hope, for He is our hope.
Our hope of guidance is in Him, for He is our Shepherd and has promised to go before us.
Our hope of strength is in Him, for He is the One fighting on our behalf, who bears us up on wings like eagles, and equips us for every good work.
Our hope of companionship and safety is in Him, for He has promised never to leave or forsake us.
Our hope of protection is in Him, for He is our defender and high tower.
Our hope of endurance is in Him, for He has promised to complete the good work He began and keep us standing until the end.
Our hope of victory is in Him, because He has conquered the enemy and gives grace to overcome every temptation.
Our hope of righteousness is in Him, for He has shed His blood on our behalf, and we are not only covered by this blood, but now have His Spirit within, moving in us "to will and to work for His good pleasure."
Our hope of a future is in Him, for He is coming again to reclaim His bride. Sorrow and suffering will be no more, and sin will no longer have any power in our lives. We will be free of all that distorts and obscures His glory.
Our hope is in Him, because His promises are great, and His promises are true.

"Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." (Psalm 34:5) Never ashamed, because if we are looking to Him, the Object of our confidence will never fail. If we are in Him, let us walk in hope, for we have every reason to be hopeful!