You shower me with the cleansing waters I’m clean You dry my tears there are always tears
You hold me as I shiver something always leaves me shivering alone afraid empty the world–its not my home the world–its sorrows well-known
But here with You I’m home I find rest shalom
You wrap me again in the chesed blanket, Your covenant love beneath its protection reminded I am loved I am safe I am seen I am part I am purchased My life hidden, holy My future sure Home
The chains that hold me are from the past, the voices of those closest to me who utter confirmation of my worthlessness my failures, my lack of any attractiveness or beauty.
The persecution is largely from within, I hear them, I sense their rejection –those to whom I have given all and before whom I have laid myself bare.
I was foolish with my heart, wasting it on those who could never understand its worth, those with nothing to give, souls shriveled and dry
But You made me to love, pouring water on my soul, causing it to overflow, opening my hands to give, my heart to love but I wasn’t completely schooled, I ran off from the master before the lessons were complete.
I am restored now to Your tutelage, but my past trials trail me like a banner, announcing my failures.
Lord, my life is Yours. Break the chains. Set me free from those who seek my hurt. I have no defense against them, those under the sway of the enemy of my soul.
God: Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Do not be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of Adonai, which He will accomplish for you today.
I rise to greet You I rub the sleep from my eyes dew still soaks the spring flowers the lush forest of Your presence awaits me in the book of remembrance
I approach arms open wide anticipating Your embrace Abba! Abba! Good Morning!
the wolf came quietly
not announcing
his presence
slowly pressing
strong paw against my windpipe
at first, barely perceptible
slow increase
harder to breathe
harder to think
the voice of self
droning on
self-focus
self-reliance
prone to leave
prone to chaos
prone to self-destruct
louder
incessant
grating
the wolf saw opportunity
came close
closed in
in those close
the voice of close folks
I listened
heard
believed
darkness once at bay
came close
the wolf was near
breath on my neck
down my neck
circling me
waiting
I was far
far away
in my thoughts
taken captive
to the lie
I was his prey
he was stalking
closing in
thoughts scattered
falling through holes
like water through a sieve
I couldn’t make them obey
Christ
my strength was waning
my thoughts were cloudy
the self voice was shouting
darkness was closing in
so hard to keep my head up
so tired
I wanted peace
“Help me, Jesus!”
wolf banished
obliterated
darkness shattered
peace restored
Rooted and Grounded 