JOYFULLY YOURS

 

There I held it, so tightly in my grasp;
Not willing to relinquish, even if He asked.

I shielded and protected it, with my own might;
And I couldn’t see beyond it, I had no hope in sight.

For it was my need, it was the only one of its kind;
I was so self-centered, and by my own pride, so blind.

I clutched it and held it close to my heart;
I had never had such agony of this sort.

I would not turn my face from my own world;
Yet it was only another dart, Satan had hurled.

But, I held it close and told God it was no use;
For I had to suffer alone in this torment and abuse.

Gently He talked to me, as my tears fell on the ground;
‘Child, I yet remember My own Son’s dying sound;

‘Yes, there was a time I, God, could not lend a hand;
For I gave My own heart for all of the mortal man.

‘Since the day My Son hung on that cruel Cross,
I, too, God, have known hurt; I have known loss.

‘Do not suffer alone, let Me bear your load;
Why else would My Son travelled Calvary’s road?

Hand Me your need, as big or as small as it may be;
For this, My Son, was nailed to that rugged tree.’

When I finally did looked up for strength help;
So lovingly His eyes of mercy made my heart melt.

‘Look here, My Child,’ He extended His hand to me;
It was my need He held there, so that I could see.

Carefully He unfolded all my doubt, bitterness and greed,
There Jesus was all that time, right in the middle of my need!

 

Joy Marie Parker