Below I have written a poem that reflects on the wonderful truth that no matter what we experience in this life, we have forgiveness and a perfect future, thanks to Christ and his cross! That means we can give thanks in all circumstances! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) His love is really all we need.
If we saw as we should see
The full truth of our depravity
And the overwhelming reality
Of the hell where we deserve to be
Would we complain of snow or rain?
Lament a moment’s passing pain?
Fume about annoyance small?
or be greatly grateful for it all?
Each pain or problem–joy, success
I still have Jesus’ righteousness!
His countless gifts, his future grand–
The peace he gives with nail-pierced hand
And so let thank yous tumble out
At tiny gifts I can leap and shout…
A breath! My lungs filled up once more
On air God mixed and held in store
To feed my life with what I need
To fuel me on for word and deed,
A breath I never dared to claim
And yet God gave it, just the same!
And every high and every low
That I might live through here below
Is but another grace-filled gift
That ought to cause my eyes to lift
And move my lips in joyful praise,
My God is God of all my days.
Every moment that he gives
I live because my Savior lives,
The perfect Son who died for me
Paid my full eternity.
And so when sinful selfishness
Steals my joy with false distress,
Or when my earthly problems and pain
Perplex me till I feel insane,
Or when my sin is crushing strong,
Or when I sing death’s mourning song
And feel the loss–that gaping ache,
Or foolish pride makes me forsake
True love for some sweet comfort fake…
Then Lord, remind me: All would be loss
Apart from the truth of your saving cross
And wipe my tears and point my eyes
To expect your coming in the skies
And till then give me things to do
That thank and honor and worship you!
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