perspective

Postcard

/ joethewaller / Leave a comment

I thought to write a postcard to myself,
The present to the past with some advice,
But chose to put the card back on the shelf.
Some plot points might be changed, but at what price?
For God redeemed the long and sleepless nights
And answered pray’rs I did not know to pray.
For ev’ry six wrongs, there were seven rights,
And ev’ry dead end then led to today.
My story is made richer by the hurt
That taught the truth of healing and of grace
Abounding, resurrection, flow’r and dirt
Together, both belonging to a place.
My life’s been far from perfect, but I see
The blessings of the road that made me me.

Photo by Murat Karahan on Unsplash

Though the Earth Gives Way, Though the Nations Rage

/ joethewaller / 2 Comments

I believe in a light overcoming
And that good will endure to the end.
I believe there’s an end to this running.
When I feel most alone, there’s a friend.

I believe in a hope not unfounded,
In foundations untouched by decay,
In desires fulfilled, grace unbounded,
In the imminent breaking of day.

I believe that assurance is granted
Despite all evidence for the lie,
That the future’s a seed that’s been planted
And yet grows under God’s watchful eye.

I believe the existence of trouble
Doesn’t mean that the trouble will last,
That a garden can grow from the rubble,
That good days are not just in the past.

I believe in a rescue from ruin,
In salvation that’s certain and sealed,
In a day with no sorrow to rue, when
What is broken is finally healed.

Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

Reflections on the Kings of Judah, 2 Chronicles

/ joethewaller / Leave a comment

Lord, keep me weak if I can’t handle strength,
For pride precedes destruction, and I fear
Forgetfulness, the turning of the ear
To people’s praises. I would run the length
Of life in faithfulness, but know the length
Of steadfast years is short unless my ear
Inclines to you, unless a holy fear
Is fixed in me, for therein lies true strength.
Humility, my Lord, is my request,
To know my stature and to call it blessed
Whate’er my lot because I’m found in thee.
And temper henceforth every request,
Reminding me what truly makes men blessed:
True knowledge of themselves in light of thee.

Photo by Olga Angelucci on Unsplash