I asked for friends, I became a stranger,
I asked for a love, and was given none,
I asked for peace, there was only war,
I asked for wealth, I became a pauper,
I asked for laughter, but sorrow came,
I asked for contentment, but seemingly in vain,
I asked for wisdom, but seemed more the fool,
I asked for knowledge, but no knowledge came,
I asked for understanding, and then to my shame,
He came, and understanding He gave.
My LORD told me: “My grace is sufficient for you,
To make you stronger have I denied,
To help you love me have I let you cry,
To teach you trust, yes I’ve denied,
The things you’ve asked that I supply.
I am your friend,
I am your love,
I am your peace,
I am your wealth,
Laughter is my gift to you,
I am your joy,
I am your wisdom,
I am your knowledge,
Through me you’ll understand,
I am the fullness of your contentment,
And I will shine forth in strength through your weakness.”
So said my LORD to me.
So now I see,
His beauty shines about me,
He teaches me understanding, knowledge and wisdom day by day;
He is my peace,
And I am wealthy in my Christ,
He ever is my joy,
And grants His gift of laughter,
I trust with eager hope, for earthly friends and love,
But know my all and all,comes only from above.
His grace not only is sufficient,
But even far beyond,
What is this earthly claim?
Only in Christ can there be gain.
Christ came,
And cometh again,
He is…..Contentment.
June 20th Monday 2011
by Katherine Parker