(By Rachel Joyce)
The pain jolts me awake
And I draw a deep breath,
Bracing myself for another day.
If I can just get this aching body
Moving, maybe the pain will ease,
Be more bearable today.
Keep going, Rae,
You can do this; Jesus
Has you, holds you tenderly.
I put on my armor carefully:
Belt of truth, breastplate of
Righteousness, shielding me.
I slip my feet into the shoes
Of the peaceful good news
Of Jesus, my Lord.
I feel the weight of faith’s
Shield, as I raise it high against
The enemy’s flaming arrows.
The helmet of salvation
Protects my mind from
The enemy’s lies and deception.
I tighten my grip on the
Sword of the Spirit,
My hope and my peace.
Lord, I cannot do this day
Without You; be my strength.
Help me make it through.
Pain’s temptations rise:
Give up; feel sorry for
Yourself, doubt God’s love.
I breathe and rest
In the eternal arms
Of my compassionate Father.
I gather up strength
And rise to face this
New day in His power.
There are times when
Tears will not be held back
When sobs are my words.
The strength to persevere
Comes from God alone
Drawing deep, I hold tightly.
You, Lord, are my strength.
You hold me, heal me, provide
The strength and all I need.
Push back the pain enough
So I can see only You, serve You,
Love You, worship You.
Hands held high, I offer up
This pain to You as a sacrifice,
My worshipful offering.