WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS

 

Beaten, battered, and torn

Unable to withstand 

The brutality of my enemy 

As I sought the promised land 

 

Promised it wouldn’t be easy

I had eagerly entered the fray

At first the slope seemed gentle enough 

But soon in darkness, I became prey 

 

I thought myself strong enough

To battle on my own

But it quickly became apparent 

I couldn’t fight alone 

 

Scarred by each encounter 

My arm and sword too weak

I came to fear the darkness

Even the daylight was often bleak 

 

When I somehow managed to strike

It was never the fatal blow 

Most often it ended in my retreat

I had nothing for my effort to show  

 

Back and forth everyday

His torment I had to endure 

He bullied me unmercifully 

Of the outcome, he seemed so sure 

 

Sometimes it all seemed so hopeless 

As if I didn’t belong

But amidst the darkness of despair 

I learned of One who is mighty and strong  

 

Who descended from a Godly throne

And willingly offered to fight for me

If I would trust His marvelous power

And let Him set me free 

 

Though battered by the fight

And wearied by my fragile skill

I turned to Him and His powerful arm

And gave to Him my pitiful will 

 

Any new hope of victory 

Didn’t blossom overnight

Each day I still encountered my foe

But gradually noticed new might 

 

As my battles grew to be longer

Before I would ultimately retreat 

I began to see progress in my skill

Realizing I was not destined for defeat  

 

As my confidence in Him began to grow

The skirmishes became less intense

Not because my enemy withdrew

But my Lord was then my defense 

 

It took far too long

For me to understand 

I didn’t have to fight alone 

I can rely on His mighty hand 

 

Not only did He strengthen me

In every battle I had to fight 

But the tender mercies He offers me

Heals my scars with tender might  

 

Now weathered and wrinkled 

My battle nearly at an end 

I marvel at what I have become

Through Him my faithful friend 

 

My hope of surviving this fray

Once buried and almost gone

Now is centered in the Holy One

And the promise of eternal dawn 

 

The promise He once extended to me

That I for so long struggled to believe 

Now nestles safely in my heart 

As His strength I willingly receive