Monday, April 9, 2018

Hope's Pilgrimage





Sometimes we run the danger of blaming Someone amiss
For trouble’s trial, terrible; adverse to mortal wish
But, He who sets the night at ease with magenta and rose
Is the Rock in life’s tragedies; the Solace in our woes

First Impulse is a rebel and sometimes a liar too
It stirs us to ask questions that there are no answers to
The way of trust is hard, but authored by the nail-scarred Hands
Of He who suffered every sorrow, so He understands

The hurt and heartache common to we, sojourners of earth
Are but a shadow of the pain that wrought Salvation’s worth/birth
And sometimes we forget how much He cares and loves us so
Where faithful to His promises He is our friend, not foe

Love lends to us all that we have but no one ever owns
This Passage we call Time and Life, like sacred stepping-stones
Where mercy knew the dark valleys Hope must pass through before
We reach The Promised Land where nail-scarred Hands will ope the Door

© Janet Martin

This Hymn written by William Cowper is a go-to when I don't understand...
Esp. the 4th and 6th stanza!

  1. God moves in a mysterious way
    His wonders to perform;
    He plants His footsteps in the sea
    And rides upon the storm 
  2.  Deep in unfathomable mines
    Of never failing skill
    He treasures up His bright designs
    And works His sov’reign will.
  3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
    The clouds ye so much dread
    Are big with mercy and shall break
    In blessings on your head.
  4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
    But trust Him for His grace;
    Behind a frowning providence
    He hides a smiling face.
  5. His purposes will ripen fast,
    Unfolding every hour;
    The bud may have a bitter taste,
    But sweet will be the flow’r.
  6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
    And scan His work in vain;
    God is His own interpreter,
    And He will make it plain.
The only way God's promises can offer hope or help
is if we know them
and believe! 

Do you ever find yourself crying like that boy's father,
"Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!"?

No comments:

Post a Comment

I hope you enjoyed your pause on this porch and thank-you for your visit!