Hubby preached last Sunday about Being Thankful and Content. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:11-14).
I was scheduled to do a special at church and sat down to write a song about thanksgiving- to go along with Hubby’s sermon. It didn’t come; felt like I was hitting a wall. Just when I was getting quite frustrated, I felt redirected to try and write a Spoken Word. I was first introduced to this form of speaking through Sarah Kay’s video, “If I should have a daughter” (you should really watch this):
and also was inspired by Jefferson Bethke (here is one of his Spoken Words below; you should really watch this too):
In this redirection, the words flowed pretty easily. A lot has happened recently to people we know and love; trials, turmoil, accidents, loss, diagnoses, death. And a lot of amazing things have been happening too: miracles, dreams come true, provision, births, celebrations, growth. I often process my thoughts through journaling, songwriting, blogging or poetry. So this poem relays some of the tough things I have been contemplating lately.
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
I am thankful that God never changes, that He is Immanuel (God with us), that He is El Roi (the God Who Sees), that He is the All-Sufficient One; the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus, He is here to seek and save. Don’t miss Him this Christmas. He is right there. Right here. Still speaking to our hearts above the static of the season.
The Exchange
“I don’t know about you, but sometimes the static comes booming through
As I see loss and pain and the wicked gain- and it makes my head spin ‘round.
I know God’s Sovereign, and that He’s good, but the Liar twists the evidence-
broadcasting untruth.
What’s to be done with this disease we have, blind eyes, deaf ears from circumstances?
It started that day when they, like we, both fell away- deceived by clouded vision
They thought they knew, instead of staying true, to Real Love who formed their hearts.
He breathed life in, but we soon delivered sin and were sent out for our protection.
But you see, in our darkness He already knew how to release us and set us free again.
As this heart pounds loud with grief and unbelief at the loss permeating this body-
I stop and turn and begin to see, Your body there on rugged tree, crushed for my transgressions.
This sin, is chain, wrapped ‘round in plain view, yet You were pierced to change us all.
So I pause at Your pierced feet as I wonder ‘bout the reek this world is rapidly producing.
I ask “why” as I hear their cry and see the dark days spread out before them
Where’s the release and how to find peace when you have to let go- and admit you don’t know?
With the knock on the door and the call that chills and how do you learn the way of being still?
Our deficiency and feeble attempts feel lost among the pounding waves crashing.
Yet He speaks above the roar; granting suffering and salvation- for our ultimate rescue.
Somehow these are both gifts, pointing up to empty cross- to the One; full of sufficiency.
And here lies the end of despair as we watch for our Groom to return for His Waiting Beloved.
She spotless and clean, adorned with gold, sparkling; refined through the fiery furnace.
‘Cuz maybe we’ve been looking at things all wrong; listening to the world’s song
That’s been drowning out Him, who is able to forgive sin and understands our limitations.
So maybe, I’ll exchange, instead of complain, and turn back to His open arms reaching.
I stop and give thanks for the healing I’ve found even when my body fails- His won’t.
His Body He gave so this body can be sustained and can be found strong in hard times.
He will return for us, grace enough, and all will be made right; trustworthy, His oversight.
What feels long, even wrong, is but a blink, deemed necessary and never wasted.
We’re going home, so hold fast, Christ’s on throne, don’t give up, in Him, you belong.
And don’t quit, and don’t cower- for within is His power-shine bright; He has purpose for you.
As you follow His lead, over rough ground and smooth; through each season, His Word will prove true.
Keep trusting, with thanksgiving, as you learn to be a living sacrifice, through Christ, who gave His very life; For you.
With Him you are changed, so let’s be ever grateful for this great exchange.”
