The poem captured below was shared by one of my favorite unit Chaplains as he departed to his next duty station. I thought I would share it with all my brothers and sisters. I think it speaks to how God renews a believer’s strength….
Anxiety races through my body with every beat of my heart.
Bewildered I search for answers.
Confusion captures my brain and
discouragement suffocates my spirit.
Embarrassed, I hide from my loved ones,
frightened by events that I cannot control.
Gloom envelopes me like a cloud.
Hopeless, I cry out and no one answers.
Isolated by pain, I am
jealous of evil men whose cunning has made them rich.
Knowledge eludes me.
Loneliness is my only friend.
Mountains loom before me, too high to climb.
No one cares – no
one. I am
powerless to change and my
questions go unanswered.
Repulsed by my pain, people look away.
Suffering surrounds me.
Tired and weak, I lay in bed day after day
uncertain as to my future;
voiceless to tell my story;
worthless to friend or foe.
Xanax offers escape. I
yearn to die,
zealous to be buried;
BUT
Awed by God’s word and
buoyed by His love, I
courageously fight back.
Daring to hope that God would love me,
enthusiastically I cry to Him,
“Forgive me, Father,
grant to Your servant peace.
Hold me in the palm of Your hand.
Immeasurable, the love You have for me.
Joyfully, I praise You.
Knowledge of Your love is what changed me.
Lovingly, You take me into Your arms
murmuring words of encouragement.
Never once have You forgotten me.”
Optimistic of the future,
peace replaces the anxiety and I am filled with hope.
Quietly, I abide in His presence,
resting in His unfailing love.
Surprisingly, I make new friends,
touching people by faithfully obeying,
utterly dependent on God.
Valleys and mountains still surround me.
Wherever I go, though, God is with me,
Expanding the barrier of time and space,
yearning for me to live with Him.
Zest for life now fills me!
God’s Blessings in Jesus Christ!
Brother Bush