Through the Storms

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-sufficent" 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,
my anchor would not hold. 
The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bar,
with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face
the trials that lay ahead, and
so I simply prayed to Him 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 when I could
not see the light of day or when the
storm might wane.

Yes through the aches 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 never 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 cried, "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 a new His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good,
for pain and tears have
helped me grow as naught else 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!

Author
Randy Walker