Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: River (08/31/06)
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TITLE: The Banks of "If Only" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bonnie Derksen
09/02/06 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Its waters were murky and grey.
My heart discontent and unstable;
I longed for some peace for my day.
I thought of my life as I saw it,
And wondered just why all the pain.
I looked at the others around me,
Saw only their plenty and gain.
“Oh Lord, please forgive all my musing.
I know my heart should be set free
From the tethers of weighing my life out,
While complaining ‘bout all that I see.”
“It seems that I’m just like the others,
Striving to follow your will,
But while on the banks of “If Only”
I feel like I’m walking uphill.”
“My life is just not as I planned it,
Though I’ve asked for your help and your care.
The troubles have followed me closely.
I feel I’ve had more than my share.”
So I stood there and thought “Oh, if only,
I hadn’t done this or done that,
Then surely my life would be better;
His blessings laid out like a mat.”
While there on the banks of “If Only”.
I needed to hear my Dad’s voice,
For comfort and maybe an answer.
“Was all this just because of a choice?”
I waited, it seemed like forever.
My Lord was just not in a rush.
Then He came in the wind, like a whisper.
And all nature around me was hushed.
”My daughter, your musings are normal.
I know that you question and fuss.
Remember I’m strength in your weakness.
Yes, you’re right. I am not in a rush.”
”I’m God in the midst of “If Only”.
There’s nothing that happens by chance.
I’ve always been standing beside you.
Both through sweet and through harsh circumstance.”
”While you stand on the banks of “If Only”
Your eyes cannot see all the good.
Even though troubled days follow closely
By my hand, they become what they should.”
”Come on over and join me on this side.
It is here that my best can be seen.
For my glory, my purpose for your life,
Will work out and my strength you will glean.”
Now I stand on the banks of “Surrender”.
The waters are brilliant azure.
My heart is now steady and stable
Filled with peace, in His care, I am sure.
As the River of Life moves so swiftly;
As I watch how it all does unfold,
While I stand on the banks of “Surrender”
The blessings cannot all be told.
So when hardship and crisis now find me,
I will prove that my trust is in tact.
Standing firm on the banks of “Surrender”
I’ll look only to Jesus for fact.
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"while on the banks of “If Only”
I feel like I’m walking uphill.”
I liked your transition to "surrender" with the middle portion that's a dialog from God.