Searching for the Good

At the foot of my bed, You comfort me. You lie down and love me Selflessly. My fears wash away Your protection, I pray. If this is our last, You were there At the foot of my bed. Thank You, Lord. The words to this poem came to me at a time of sorrow. I remember they just flew right out onto the page. It was as if something deep inside was calling—calling for me to know that it was OK and that I was going to be OK. As these words appeared, there was a mixture of tears and a sense of comfort. It was within that sort of mix that I found life. What I’ve come to understand is that this time of sorrow was for my own benefit—to grow my faith, to help me turn to God. And boy, do I need a lot of help. I need it daily, moment to moment, and I rely on that help to come from a source exceedingly, abundantly higher than myself. Really, to put myself in the same sentence as such a power makes me uncomfortable, but there’s this part of me that knows that’s where my help's coming from. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28—30 NIV) Even through difficult times, there’s purpose. God desires to draw each of us closer to Him. His words, “Come to me,” are words of comfort and peace. Like the drawing in of a warm hug or the soft whisper of an old friend, He takes away our burdens and restores us through love. He is the tie that binds us. The pages that follow take us on a journey. We can move through it together. It’s about opening up and walking with God. I share my poems that were written during my early steps in faith, as I was learning what it means to be a child of God and what that does to your heart. Each poem is accompanied by stories that have shaped me and lead to the study of God’s Word. I’ve included Scripture that spoke to me during the various seasons of my walk as well as providing some questions to ponder. But inasmuch as I’ve toiled in these endeavors, my ultimate aim is letting Jesus show the way. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20 NIV)