Defying Depths of Despair

Psalm 37:7-8

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Often when I am tempted to despair 

(and there seem to be SO many reasons these days )

 I think of Marilla Cuthbert's words to Anne,

"To despair is to turn your back on God"

Marilla Cuthbert, Anne of Green Gables

(at the 3:)) minute point in this clip)

The depths of dark despair are always there, where we might stray 

If we mistrust the care of He to whom we ought to pray 

If we beg for deliverance but do not change our ways 

If we gratify ignorance with flattery’s vain praise 

If we do not obey the law that perfect love decreed 

If we, not overcome with awe, do not find what we need 

If we while knowing better still continue thus to err 

And do not make an effort to be wiser than we were 

If we, severely stubborn in our human-natured bent 

Do not let goodness govern our intimate intent 

We will be monsters, no matter how ‘normal’ the façade 

If we do not acknowledge our lack and trust in God 

If we, so broken at our best do not rest and rely 

Without agendas, on the One who so loves you and I

 

If we do not yield heart and soul, to He who will provide 

Our joy will never be made whole; we must be rid of pride 

Or depths of dark despair will try to overtake the Light 

If we do not first trust the Care that fits us for the fight 

© Janet Martin