Streams of Comfort

Sometimes the hardest part about confronting hatred is asking for forgiveness. From yourself. From others. It brings to mind a chapter from the book of Daniel, which I’ve been recently meditating on. In chapter 9, Daniel prays to God and says “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame…The Lord is merciful and forgiving even though we have rebelled against him” (Daniel 9:7-9). As we’ve been talking this month about why we hate, I’ve realized that the stronger the hate, the harder it is to walk back. To genuinely forgive. To ask God to forgive us. Even though His answer will always be yes. I hope this poem reminds you that God is love. He is forgiving.

Holding a book
Is like a story unfolding.
Turn the page
Keep turning.
I searched for forgiveness
But something blocked my way.
Hold the line
Hang on.
And there it was
My wrath’s bruised heart.
Held together
Just barely.
It drew black lines of war
Foolish though it was.
God already won.
He won.
I fought with mercy
On my side at last.
Turn the page
Keep turning.
Alice R.