Though we have not seen him, we love him;

Soul-filled sorrows vanish

In the wake of release -

And even though we do not see him now, we believe in him:

a Divine renewal,

A mystifying and un-beckoned Peace,

Held in an impossible calm, cradled in Joy…

Outstretched arms uphold surrender as we are

Filled with this inexpressible and glorious Joy…

We reach only for our Rescuer, Redemption catches back.

And now we know HIM, in pure communion.

Clean hands fall gently

Receiving the end result of our faith,

The glowing treasure of a tried faith shatters doubting mists

Only look back once to examine old wounds

The smashing of the heart’s cold stone

Releases the wreckage of broken and jagged glass;

Joy is the assurance of God’s goodness in brewing storms

And soaring above the clouds we find

Warm gentle winds -

The salvation of our souls.

Silence. Breath. Light.

*1 Peter 1:8-9 scripture above in bold and italics woven throughout the poem

Jesus,

Thank you. Because you saved us through your death and resurrection, we can find joy in the midst of sorrows. YOU are joy, a firm foundation to rest upon forever. Remind us of your goodness, and let it shine through our hearts when storms surround us.

Amen.