I am currently working on a book of my poetry, sort of a compilation of things I’ve previously written plus some new pieces reflecting my Godwalk recently. Birthdays are good times to reflect. I can’t imagine it’s true, but I am now eighty-five years old. Where did the time go? How much more time do I have in this mortal life? Only God knows that and has my days numbered from before I was born, according to Psalm 139. This poem reflects my thinking this morning. I’ve written probably 300 My Psalms. This one is in the final section of my new book title My Soul Poems. I hope to have it published in the next few days.
Yesterday the horror of a huge flash flood in Texas that killed over one hundred children, including many children. Many were away at camp. That coincides with my darling granddaughters’ stay this week at camp. I can’t imagine the loss I would feel if this camp were in that Texas valley. The brevity of life, even eighty-five years is but a flash in the whole pan of civilization. May we use each day as an honor to the Lord, and keep our eyes on the goal of living for Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves–joy, the ordinary, sorrow, or spending our last days in this life as we know it.
Almighty God, Creator of the universe and my soul,
I come to You like a meandering stream
Trying to forge a path without direction. Be my guide.
I am confused, tossed about
By a world spinning around me.
I have lost my sense of direction.
You, who created order out of chaos,
You who put every galaxy, every star in place,
You who set the sun to rise by day,
And the moon by night,
You, Who even placed me in this time and place
For Your glory,
Guide me to discover Your will, and to follow it.
I trust You, Lord with my life.
I’ve said it with my tongue.
I know it’s the right path.
So, keep me from following my own way
Through the distractions around me.
Help me see clearly, in focus,
The places to spend the time You give me,
The plan for each moment of each day
So that I can further Your kingdom and not mine.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Guide my every footstep in the direction I should go.
I know You can handle any situation
From trivial to gigantic.
I know You have even turned day into night
And spoken to mere men.
I know You have redirected sea waves
And stopped lions’ mouths.
I know You have led Your people
And do so each day.
Help me to see Your Godincidences in my life
so that I can proclaim Your guidance
When I am stuck in the morass of my own making.
Help me to choose the best from the good,
The straight path rather than forging my own,
And guide me toward the peace that comes
From rising from this valley
To dwell on the mountaintops
With new perspective and clarity.
Use my confusion to bring me to Your Presence
Where I know I shall find redemption
For wasted moments, hours, days, years
So my meanderings become clear direction
For my path toward loving and serving You
With my whole heart, soul, mind and strength
And shouting Your praise forever. Amen
Life-Changing Water: Chaos into Glory, (2018).
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