Through the Tears

Photo Credit: Erik Z

(By Rachel T Joyce)

Some verses are hard to read,

Sometimes agonizing to live out.

Smoothing the wrinkled page

With shaking fingers I try


To take in God’s perspective

On trials: “Consider it pure joy.”

Really, Lord? These last ones 

Have nearly taken me out. Blow


After blow leaves me shattered,


Barely able to think straight,


Let alone rejoice in them. Help

Me understand, help me obey.

You seek more than my

Comfort. My character is what

You’re refining; help me stay

True, help me lean upon

You. Don’t let me fail You.

Hold me close to Your heart.

Father of all comfort, comfort

Me with Your presence. Still my

Fears with Your nearness. Hold

Me with Your peace, even as

The tears fall and my heart aches

With the grief overwhelming me.

You say that the testing of my

Faith helps develop perseverance

And as I let it work, I mature,

You complete me, providing

All that I need. So I submit, Lord,

To all You are doing in my life.

I’d rather have You with the trials

Than an easy, trouble-free life alone.

Do what You will; I surrender it all,

Only let me feel Your nearness.

Strengthen me in Your mighty love.

Help me rejoice and praise Your name.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).