Battening down the Heart-hatches

 

Wisdom prepares for the storm before the storm.

Before the storm grows harsher still 

And tests the arciform of will 

With what seems anything but love 

Thy very perfect love to prove 

Before the harder heartaches press 

Against temporal palaces 

To try its happiness with rains 

To see if anything remains 

Lord, keen the Creature to your care 

The would-be pride to humble prayer 

Equip, through fellowship, this worm 

Bucking surrender’s cruciform 

So when the storm grows harsher still 

And tests the arciform of will 

Then, though life's ills may still increase

Trust will keep us in perfect peace

© Janet Martin

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 

whose mind is stayed on thee: 

because he trusteth in thee.

Isa.26:3

Who is wise and understanding among you? 

Let them show it by their good life, 

by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

James 3:13

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all

 pure; 

then peace-loving, 

considerate, 

submissive,

 full of mercy 

and good fruit, 

impartial

 and sincere.

James 3:17