Blessing of Storm

"The Blessing of a Storm"

I did not know His love before,

the way I know it now.

I could not see my need for Him,

my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care,

the "self-sufficient" lie.

My path was smooth, my sea was still,

not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,

I thought I'd seen His grace,

I thought I did not need to grow,

I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark,

the storm clouds quickly rolled;

The waves began to rock my ship,

I found I had no hold.

The ship that I had built myself

was made of foolish pride,

It fell apart and left me bare,

with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face

the trials that lay ahead,

And so I simply spoke His name

and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,

and then He helped me stand.

He said, "You still must face this storm,

but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night

He guided me through pain.

I could not see the light of day

or when I'd smile again.

Yet through the pain and endless tears,

my faith began to grow.

I could not see it at the time,

but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light,

His grace and mercy, too.

For only when all self was gone could Jesus'

love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,

I sometimes wondered why.

At times I thought, "I can't go on."

I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side

He guided me each day,

Through pain and strife, through fire and flood,

He helped me all the way.

And now I see as ne'er before

how great His love can be,

How in my weakness He is strong,

how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good,

although the way was rough,

He only sent what I could bear,

and then He said, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"

He made the storm clouds cease.

He opened up the gates of joy

and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still,

I felt His presence strong,

I found anew His faithfulness,

He never did me wrong.

And now I know more storms will come,

but only for my good,

For pain and tears have helped me grow

as nothing ever could.

I still have so much more to learn

as Jesus works in me;

If in the storm I'll love Him more,

that's where I want to be!

~Wendy Greiner Lefko~

Jesus Is The Lighthouse

Jesus is the lighthouse,

Midst the storms of life,

He safely guides us onward,

Amidst the gails and strife.

Look steadfast to the Master,

he one who lights the way,

Steadfast with His guidance,

Hear what He would say.

The waves that beat against the boat,

Yet yonder Lo a light,

Eternal port of safety,

Despite the darkest night.

faith beholds God's promise,

Safety lies ahead,

Anchored in Christ's mercy,

Go as He has lead.

Help Me Through The Storm

The night was dark and stormy
and the waves rose o'er the deck.
It seemed there was an albatross
hanging 'round my neck.
I tried to pierce through sea squalls
but the waves came high and fast.
There was just one thing I could do
and I prayed to God at last.

How often do we leave 'til last
the thing we first should do?
How often do we try to solve
problems by rushing through?
Oh, Lord, I pray that You would hear
my earnest cry for help
and keep me, Lord, from trying
to do the Impossible myself.

For only You can calm my heart,
or still the tossing sea
and only You can give me hope,
where no hope seems to be.
Remind me, Lord, to always pray
before trouble begins,
so You won't have to rescue me
from stumbling again.

I commit to You my life once more
and by Your grace, I know
that you will gently guide me
everywhere I go.
Now grant me the perseverance
to complete the task at hand
and I'll give You praise and glory
while I follow Your command.

Dorothea K. Barwick

'TIS A STORM UPON THE WATERS

'Tis a storm upon the waters
Tossing hearts but 'to and fro'
Some have yet for sweet surrender
- Port or starboard, where to go ?

Many souls have not the Captain
'Nare a Lighthouse shines the way
Tho' the hull it may be sturdy
- Keep afloat another day

Oh this world and all it's treasures
Shall not e're to set you Free
If you sail 'top stormy waters
- Only Christ can calm the sea

When your ship sails in to harbor
Shall that harbor be a realm ?
When you cast off for the journey
Is it Jesus at the Helm ?

When you capsize in those waters
And your heart has beat it's last
'Twill be too late for sailing
- Without Jesus, you'll sink fast

'Tis a storm upon the waters
And this world has quite a 'crew'
But if you Trust in Jesus
- HE will gladly rescue you

Let Him set the sail and bearing
Of your ship; stern to the bow
No more drifting o'er the waters
He will guide you safely home

'Tis a storm upon the waters
For the wicked tides of harm
Let Jesus be your 'Captain'
And He'll lead you from the storm.

Tammy Boatman-Young
March 2004