The Slow, Uncomfortable Space Where God Asks Us to Stay
Poems on Pornography, Repentance, and the Long Work of Healing
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A Silent Prayer Scripture “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.” —Psalm 62:1 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Summary We want God to respond quickly, clearly, and on our terms. But Scripture often calls us to wait—to remain present when nothing seems to be happening. The struggle is rarely understanding God’s Word; it is learning to quiet ourselves long enough to receive it. This poem reflects the tension between restlessness and trust, between demanding answers and learning to remain with God in silence. Transformation often begins not with movement, but with stillness. I lie here on the floor, waiting for You to speak. My body is restless, my thoughts scattered, my heart aching for something I cannot name. I tell myself I am listening, but the noise inside me refuses to quiet. I check the clock. I shift my weight. I wonder how long I am supposed to wait before something happens. Silence feels like absence. Stillness feels like abandonment. And yet, You remain. I want You to move. I want You to fix this. I want You to say something—anything— that proves You are here. But the longer I wait, the more I realize the problem is not Your silence. It is my resistance. I am searching for You outside of myself, while You are already present within. I am demanding answers, when You are offering rest. I am begging for change, when You are inviting surrender. So I stay. Not because I am peaceful, but because I am tired of running. Not because I feel faithful, but because I have nowhere else to go. If You speak, I will listen. If You remain silent, I will stay. This is my prayer. Writing Prompt Write a few lines describing a time you waited for God—impatiently, fearfully, or faithfully. Reflection Questions • What emotions arise when God feels silent? • What distractions make it difficult for you to be still before Him? • Have you ever experienced peace only after surrendering your need for control? Prayer Lord, You know how restless my heart becomes when I wait. If You are inviting me into stillness today, help me to trust You in the silence. Teach me to wait on You with faith rather than fear. Amen.
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About the Book
None of us were made or designed to be addicted to anything, yet each of us has the capacity to become addicted to something. Sadly, promises of quick fixes and instant freedom rarely deliver. It is often through prayer and waiting that God does His deepest work.
I have struggled with sexual addiction for most of my life and honestly, this is not a subject I want to share. But that is exactly what needs to be done. If you are struggling with pornography, then I hope these poems can speak to some of what you are experiencing. I have tried to write honestly—sometimes brutally—but always with the knowledge that God has never left my side, even when I have tried to leave His.
Each poem includes scripture, reflection questions, writing prompts, and prayers intended to help men move toward confession, honesty, and renewed trust in God’s patience and grace. These poems are for men tired of hiding and exhausted from carrying this struggle alone. They are for the man willing to bring his whole self before God and begin again.
I thought I wrote these poems for myself. If they found their way into your hands maybe they were meant for you too.
The Slow, Uncomfortable Space Where God Asks Us to Stay shares Christian poems, scripture, reflection questions, writing prompts, and prayers that confront pornography, repentance, and the long work of healing with God.
About the Author
John Giertz has been writing poetry since middle school, long before he had language for why words mattered to him. He serves on the media team at his local church, is an active participant in Influencer’s men’s groups, and has authored and, recorded inspirational messages for a local Christian radio station. Giertz’s words come from study and years spent in Christian and non-denominational recovery communities and one-on-one Christian counseling.