I hear and see so much about how great everyone is doing, yet I seldom hear mourning for an unregenerate family member or the struggling Christian's deep sighs of agony after facing a resurfacing sin. So I'll contribute, to those who share in these struggles, a poem I wrote after one of the most blessed days I have had. Within my mind, however, I felt distant and at odds with Christ. The only thing I could do was ask for Him to act as I felt incapable of anything else.
My friends, I share this not to commend this kind of attitude, but to shine some light of encouragement. You may be in this situation, and it may seem as if no one understands, but remember, you're not alone. My advice to you is to first stop thinking of your helplessness start thinking of His helpfulness. He is not only helpful, but He is mighty and strong. He understands all things, and sustains all things. His attributes are infinite, just as He is. You just have to take the dive, the dive into the ocean of the noblest thoughts of all: thoughts of God. But beware, you will soon be forced to remember the darkest and most pride-killing truth, the Son of God dying for each and every one of your self-centered and self-reliant deeds. It is grim, yes, but there is light, for He died that you may forever have the ability to not only be forgiven for sin, but to forever live in the presence of God. He will sustain you and shine through every bitter, gloomy day. So live, live in the presence of God and ask Him to teach you how to delight in His way.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.
-Psalm 32:8-10
* * *
O Christ,
In bitterness I've seen Thee shining;
In gloom Thy rays 'ave broken through;
Yet why does all my pining
Seem now a ceaseless brew?
Thy ways have dusted over,
Thy word has lost its gleam,
My mind's no longer sober,
And life seems but a dream,
So in prayer I come desi'ring,
On knees with head bowed low;
O send a wind inspi'ring,
And make my branches grow.
* * *
My friends, I share this not to commend this kind of attitude, but to shine some light of encouragement. You may be in this situation, and it may seem as if no one understands, but remember, you're not alone. My advice to you is to first stop thinking of your helplessness start thinking of His helpfulness. He is not only helpful, but He is mighty and strong. He understands all things, and sustains all things. His attributes are infinite, just as He is. You just have to take the dive, the dive into the ocean of the noblest thoughts of all: thoughts of God. But beware, you will soon be forced to remember the darkest and most pride-killing truth, the Son of God dying for each and every one of your self-centered and self-reliant deeds. It is grim, yes, but there is light, for He died that you may forever have the ability to not only be forgiven for sin, but to forever live in the presence of God. He will sustain you and shine through every bitter, gloomy day. So live, live in the presence of God and ask Him to teach you how to delight in His way.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.
-Psalm 32:8-10
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