Remembering Forgiveness

“In the morning, when I wake, You alone have kept me safe.

You are my refuge, my stronghold, a warm embrace.

For you alone, I desire and wish never to be apart,

You’re the breath in my lungs and the beat of my heart.

Should either have been withheld in the night,

To you, I would bow when to your face I alight.”

While the sun is still rising, I reflect and I pray.

So I’m learning to trust You with all my heart, as they say.

But it hardly takes long for my temper to boil,

To work in this world, you’ve promised we’ll toil.

Dare I ask, “What’s this broken life about?”

Then my feelings grow cold, and your goodness I doubt.

With a savory smile, the devil draws near.

He twists my own thoughts, I forget it’s “God do I fear.”

Without thought to my foolishness, I take hold of his lie.

Then he gloats a promise not his, “for this you will die.”

My heart was once again torn and made lame.

But by Your truth, I’m reminded, he no longer holds claim.

How could I think, “With my sin, You, I could so rile?”

You whisper then sweetly, “Come listen and stay for a while.

The promises of pain, dying, and toil are true,

But let’s not forget what was done with love for you.

It is by my blood that the debt has been paid

And because of my grace, you’re being re-made.

For when you fail, you are made humble and meek.

I use it all for your good so that I am what you seek.

The path is difficult, but I gave you a gospel of rest,

And the Holy Spirit to teach that new heart in your chest.

Continue on this way of life with all your soul and all your might.

Because my beloved child, the devious devil, long ago lost the fight.”

With my heart so bolstered by the One True King,

I find myself safely tucked under the shadow of His wing.

And when I stumble in the dark and turn from His ways,

I will return to my Father, who says, “Love me and trust always.”

For I am His treasured possession, for His glory and His delight,

Preparing my character eternally, even during the darkness of night.