The heart that hurts to hold the hand
Of one who shares both heart and name
Can only ever understand
The purpose past the painful game
By fixing eyes upon the Lord
Who sov’reignly provides for needs
And knowing that the piercing sword
Is severing the sickly weeds
Which would corrupt the growing fruit
For which we labor, trust, and pray.
God sees the garden at the root
And guides us toward the light of day.
Photo by Natalie Collins on Unsplash
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
I read and re-read this verse multiple times after running across it in my devotional time. I love the wording here for its poetic sound and feel. I love the imagery within the prayer. Even so, my mind kept returning to a question: What does it mean for a heart to be united?
(Photo by Julien Lanoy on Unsplash)
O Father who in heaven dwells
In holiness and light,
Keep me away from worthless wells,
From ev’ry foolish fight,
From ev’ry hellish height,
From trusting in my might,
And purify my sight,
And keep me through the night.
I memorized Proverbs 3:5-6 years ago for Bible Drill, and yet I still forget the truth of that passage sometimes.
Proper fear begets a proper faith.
The foreigner becomes family.
God gives substance to the wraith:
Glorious anomaly.
Grace and mercy meet the guilty heart
Turning stone to living flesh and blood.
Love transforms every part,
Cleansing in the crimson flood.
I read three chapters in the Bible today without feeling an excitement for the truth I was reading.
At the word of the Maker, the earth
Is brought forth to revolve round the sun
To the praise and the glory of one
Who possesses an infinite worth.
He shines forth from perfection’s high’st form,
From great Zion, with sounds of a choir.
Ev’ry step is preceded by fire;
When he walks, he is shrouded in storm.
His salvation is given, not bought,
For he owns all that we could present.
Sacrifices for vices are spent,
Yet they profit the Almighty naught.
So walk not in the pathways of death.
Ponder life ‘fore your lips claim his pow’r.
Let the fear of the Lord fill each hour,
And let thanksgiving fill ev’ry breath.
Oh know your place, my soul.
Remember that your days are few.
Tis vanity
To live with just this age in view.
Relinquish your control.
Eternal God most high,
Provide perspective to my days.
Tis vanity
To live in conflict to your ways
As death draws ever nigh.
I knew you once to be a flame
Bright with heaven’s joys,
But now it seems twas all a game.
You mock the faith you once did claim,
Chasing after toys
(Ephemeral treasures) and fame.
as i learn to walk 