Those 'What-if' Bullies

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The solitude of quiet thought

Can be a sweet and tender bliss

Unless we stray and tread the path

Of monster-shaped, ruthless ‘what-ifs’

The what-ifs’ lunge and jeer and leer

Leaping from unexpected dips

A bully-whisper in our ear

Quenching the laughter on our lips

Oh, we do well to guard our thought

Forbidding it to wander where

These demons wait to mutilate

Our hope with visions of despair

And in thought’s quiet solitude

When what-ifs threaten their torment

How sweet to know that God is good

We walk in moments He has sent

The what-ifs that will come to be

Must first pass through His hands above

To dwell in ‘what-if’ misery

Is thus to doubt His faithful love

The solitude of quiet thought

Can be a sweet, tranquil retreat

If we surrender what is not

And place our ‘what-ifs’ at Love’s feet

© Janet Martin

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3: 5-6