“For your own good,” I hear them say--
those who inflict some discipline
designed to make me shy away
from what, to them, is a grievous sin.
I smart and sting, and rue the rod
that wrangles my unbridled flesh,
for in my heart an impish god
usurps the throne...invades the creche.
He tells me I deserve so much:
more than strict Providence allots,
goods that I’m not allowed to touch,
daydreams of myriad have-nots.
He praises me with siren hymns
and deftly sweeps my faults aside
while, in my soul, a candle dims
from lack of air sucked up by pride.
Still, there is yet a pesky thorn
that keeps my candle-conscience lit,
a stubborn sin that makes me mourn
and even cry to Heav’n a bit...
Again, my image makes me cringe
should in the mirror it appear--
my secret folly, just a tinge
of which could freeze my heart with fear.
If any knew, if it became
a cause for public scrutiny...
can someone truly “die of shame”?
then that dread someone would be me.
But, faith clings to a living Hope,
an active Agency above
who rescues from sin’s fearful slope
and answers shame with gracious love.
Hope called me once, it calls me now,
It ever calls to trust His word:
sweet promises from One whose vow
even the dead to life have stirred!
“I work out all things for the good
of all the loved ones in My care.
Even the bad deeds no one would
imagine, My great plan can bear!
“I’ll use that secret, stubborn sin
to humble you, to cure your pride...
to plant compassion deep within,
so you can spread it far and wide.
“Yes, I am angry when you sin,
but it’s a Father’s anger now...
By grace my Son has brought you in,
and royal sonship, I endow.
“So come for cleansing kind and free!
Delight in My laws as you should!
For you are now at peace with Me...
and I work ALL THINGS for your good.”
MNA
8-2-2016
