by jezslough
Sometimes, we need reminders of the truth, the truth that can set our hearts free. I know I do – as a trauma survivor, now advocating for mental health and recovery, I’ve had my share of setbacks and discouragement, which have left me grasping at the truth like I’m clutching at straws. The one thing that I try to remember is the knowledge that God is working for me, on my side, willing me to get to the other side of my trials. Whatever you may be going through, know that He loves you so very much, that His will for you is that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, that someday we’ll see it. For now, there’s pain but also so much joy on earth. The world is a difficult place, but He gives us strength to face our battles, even if we need to rely on others, which is at the heart of our message at Spiritual Misfits.
A gospel poem
The Lord is good
And He loves me
He loveth you
He died to set us free
“Free from what?” you may ask
My life is just fine
You only live once
And, well, I’m having a good time
Yes, we live just once
God says our lives are like vapour
Here today, gone tomorrow
All we leave behind is some paper
We can leave a righteous heritage
An inheritance for those after to enjoy
To do this we needed Jesus
To unearth Satan’s poisonous ploy
At the heart of every man and child
Since our fall in the garden
Is a wayward course of action
Our hearts were hardened; we needed a pardon
What separated us from God? Penetrating sin
It comes in different shapes and sizes
The fact we fell under its spell
Really shouldn’t surprise us
It means to miss the mark and fall short of glory
But the distance is wide
I’ll name some examples –
deceit, disobedience, perversion and pride
God was with Moses high on the mountain
Moses walked down, stone in hand
Good laws for God’s people
Wicked practices He had banned
So the Israelites’ code was in permanent ink
But what the law couldn’t fulfil
Jesus did in its place on a cursed cross
As His first drop of blood was spilled
He did it for you, for me
For all humankind
For the wages of sin is certain death
But He died so we’d have certain life
How’d it come to this? The sky turned black
Our Creator crucified on a tree
Not before He turned to his right, the guilty party
“Today you’ll be in paradise with Me”
That party is us – what forgiveness is this?
Here’s a criminal, far from a son
But Jesus said, “Here, you’re a free man”
The battle with sin had been won
Old Testament prophecy dictated this death
Not one word was out of line
All His ways are perfect
He’s omniscient and divine
What hurt Jesus more – the nails or shame?
It’s hard to imagine the utter disgrace
All that He went through and felt
When His Dad hid His face
He’s emotional and this harrowing tale proves it
What I think deserves a mention today
Is the agony God Himself would have felt
As He gave His beloved son away
If anyone has lost a child I can’t imagine your pain
You’re not alone
God sympathises with you
All comfort flows from His throne
The narrative doesn’t end here
As amazing it is to think about
Jesus buried in a tomb stone-sealed
But the third day after walked out
“He is risen!” we cry
And herein lies all glory
The most incredible part
In this incredible story
His body and blood given for us
To fulfil God’s master plan
The father-son bond broken then restored
Jesus sits at His Daddy’s right hand
The world doesn’t know
What it’s missing is love
They search in hopeless places
Everywhere except right up above
It manifested itself in a perfect exchange
The sinless Son being sin for us
His body broken, blood poured out
The key to life’s name is Jesus
Because we were all guilty
We all turned astray
We all needed reconciling
We all could pay
When we acknowledge certain forgiveness
The place where blood overflowed
It’s joy, wonder, triumph and peace
To be made holy, white as snow
No matter your lot in life
Don’t fret if you think you’re a failure
The truth of the matter is
In Christ you’re rescued by the sovereign Creator
Every time I stumble, crumble and fall
The lights are off, I’m knee-bound in the dark
His voice shakes the room, uncovers the gloom
Piercing me straight to the heart
Words of light and love and hope
Words to lift me up
Precious and powerful words whispered to me
Over the bread and cup
Sitting in His house with humbled heart
I can’t help but pause and reflect
Who could be so blessed as us
To be called His holy elect?
Let’s remember with thanks all God did
To save and sanctify our precious souls
To give our lives to Him in worship and truth
Should be our dearest and greatest goal
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Thanks for sharing this!