Poetry: Hope

Thou art my hiding place and my shield:I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114He gave me hopeWhen darkness clouded mind and soulWhen pain beyond reasonClutched and tore the fabric of my insular worldLeft me bleeding from everyPhysical and emotional pore.He offered lifeWhen my own ebbed and IWished only for the endYet, I clung to that nameless somethingImplanted deep withinThis cannot be all there is!His gentle voice called, comforted, caredEven in my rebellion,Even in my indifference,Even in my angerHe showed me sacrificeSomeone even dared to die—for me!Love held Jesus to that crossGod became man—lived, died.Rose again—for me, for my painFor my anguished criesOf heart and soul and mind.Jesus offered forgiveness, life, hopeHe stretched out His handMy choice. And I, in dread anticipation,Clasped His palm--Found Him.Thank you for finding me.Help me to live for you. Amen.By Carolyn R ScheidiesFrom Journey of Faith