A Liturgy for Letting Go

written six years ago, but useful today.

My heart aches this morning
For what God has deemed
I don’t need.
A good desire in its place.
But out of place
Idolatry.

And when He keeps it from me.
I look from gift to Giver
and see.

This is but one page
In an adventure.
And the last page I have read.
I will give up creature comforts
to delight in Creator instead.
My senses magnified by pain
No longer dulled in heart and head

I taste and see a God who gave
His son as payment in my stead.
I see your words of truth in scripture
And consume as daily bread.
When on this page good gifts withheld,
My heart hungers for
Who holds the pen.

This is His story.
My Mighty Fortress and Rock of Ages.
This pain is for His glory
So I learn to kiss the waves
That come
As long as I remain,
This anthem my refrain.
Whether by
My death or life,
To live is Christ
To die is gain.

…

Morning Mercies & Daily Bread

This poetic prayer was written while driving home after time with my family six years ago. As my sister, @sarahsparksmusic, heads to the airport with her husband this morning, I find I need this prayer again. Our family had a sweet time with my mom and dad and siblings and their families at the Outer Banks last week. So much fun and laughter together. But as we all head back home to different places across the country, I feel the great ache again of missing them and wishing we lived closer. As I grieve living so far from family, I am reminded that none of us are really “home.” That this broken earth isn’t a place we will ever be comfortable. And that although time is limited here, we are traveling to a place with no limitations on time. The ache I feel is really an ache for Jesus and heaven. And it’s a good ache.

If you’re comfortable sharing, how do you relate to this poem? What’s the ache that drives you to Jesus and the hope of heaven?
…

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” - Charles Spurgeon

* Revelation 21:4
* Hebrews 12:2
* Psalm 34:8
* John 3:16
* Matthew 4:4
* Matthew 6:11
* Philippians 1:21
* Psalm 18:2
* Psalm 62:7

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther
“Rock of Ages” by Augustus Toplady