I cannot be quiet
with my soul
when resentment is there
when anger bubbles
too close to the surface
when hurts are harboured
like decaying skeletons
who wants to sit quiet
with that?
I cannot be quiet with
my soul
when jealousy and comparison
play their little games
with my mind
when contentment
is absent and my prayers
read like shopping lists.
When all I have pondered
in my heart
are the things I have not
how can I come
and quiet myself
before a God who has given
His all
and I, with this discontented
heart?
I cannot be quiet with
my soul
when the stillness is too loud
reminding me of what
I’ve left undone,
the things I need to mend
the gentle persistent
calling back I’ve tried
to ignore.
But in the quiet is where
peace is found.
It’s where the compassionate
Physician brings healing.
Illuminating,
searching and restoring
my contrary heart.
He doesn’t demand I come
in a manner worthy
of Him,
but promises I will not
leave unchanged
having been
in His presence.
I wonder if the times we least want to be quiet and alone with our souls and God are the times we most need it?
Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a Proverbs 31 ministries COMPEL Writers Training member and is involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s personal blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the small things https://maryfolkerts.com/ or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/
Beautiful poem, dear Mary. And amen. It's a lovely and poignant offering that points us to the hope waiting for us in His Presence.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Thanks Wendy! 💞
DeleteThank you. I could feel the passion in your poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy! God is good to always hear us no matter how we come to him!💞
DeleteDear Mary, thank for this lovely flowing poem. You might have noticed "quietness" has been a theme of a few of us this month. You are a poet indeed. Quietness is such a need for us these days.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying so Alan! Yes I think we all long for the calm quietness God brings!
DeleteWhat a beautiful poem, Mary. These lines stopped me, "I cannot be quiet with / my soul / when the stillness is too loud". Oh yes. In response to your question at the end, I would agree those are the times we most need His presence and the restoration that comes from being with Him. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading Brenda! Yes I believe it’s those days that we would rather hide or are questioning and angry that we most need to know Gods quiet mercy and grace💞
DeleteThis poem is gentle and deep with meaning. It gives me quiet and peace, especially as I read the last lines:
ReplyDeleteHe doesn’t demand I come
in a manner worthy
of Him,
but promises I will not
leave unchanged
having been
in His presence.
Yes, amen.
Thank you Michelle! Yes how amazing grace doesn’t depend on our worthiness!!💞
ReplyDelete