Thursday, July 06, 2006

Take Heart, My Friend

When dark despair comes knocking and you search in vain for strength;
When isolation drives you till you’re peering o’er the brink;
When overwhelmed by your acute responsibilities;
Breath deeply, friend, and fall upon your knees.

When all the weight you daily bear becomes a crushing load;
And ‘neath its pressing burden your back wearily bends low;
And when it seems the agonizing struggle ne’er will end;
Breath deeply, pray, and be encouraged, friend.

First, don’t forget that there are friends who, too, are on their knees;
And don’t forget Him who before the Father intercedes;
And don’t forget the promised joy which strength helps you endure;
Take heart, my friend, His promises are sure.

5 comments:

djb said...

This poem is exactly how I have been feeling this last week and prior. I have been on my knees praying for strength to continue under the load. Last night after work all I could pray was for God to put his arms around me and just hold me for the burden is getting heavier then I can bear. Early in the morning hours this morning I found myself again on my knees.
Thank you for this wonderful poem. You seem to know what always say at the right time. God Bless You Dearly.

JFC said...

dbj:

Thank you for your kind words. It is particularly heartening to know that the labor that goes into kneading words and crafting poetry is helpful. That is certainly what the intent is; I'm glad it is working.

Deb said...

What encouraging final verses in each stanza, Jon. Thank you for turning your knowledge of pain into insight to share with others. And, to djb, whoever you are, and wherever you are, I'm praying for you this evening. Take courage! (Not because of my prayers, but because of the One whom we serve!)

JFC said...

Deb,

Thank you for your comments. They are truly an encouragement to me. I am also sure that, in addition to God's work in answering your prayers, djb was heartened simply by knowing someone was praying.

Also, djb -- I'm sorry I reversed your last 2 initials in my response to you. I just noticed that. :(

MegLogan said...

Thank you I needed that.

Mrs. Meg Logan