A bitter providence

This is a poem I wrote around two years ago, when I was a Junior in College. It brought back some tough memories and even tougher lessons. But I still stand by it. I pray that I understand it better today.

“…O King of mercy, God of Grace, Job knew it in the end,
that providence releases praise through suffering’s clenched hand

When walls of confidence are cracked and ruin hems us in
When bricks we’ve stacked are blown to bits by unexpected winds
the eyes that brim with tears are right to weep thought not for long
for soon the same eyes shall perceive the suff’ring was not wrong.
When man at long last finds himself with no word on his lips
both foolish and intelligent will by Him be convinced,
that God is God and He is wise beyond the mind of man
He gives and takes away despite our ignorant demand
for grace at all times in our life and in the shape and form
of our idea of good when our idea falls ever short
of what the Lord God has in mind, his kindness is not chained
by what we say or think or dream, for Freedom is His Name.

So Lord I come with open hands to take what you will give.
Regardless of the pain and grief that may well come with it.
My hands are yours to take what you have chosen to bestow
that I may see you better and your son more deeply know.
Hear me Lord and grant me faith that fastens to Your Name
for, the glory of the Sovereign God will surely be my strength.”

-Sept 7, 2005