Where is God when I’m hurting?

Where is God when I’m  hurting?     By Brian Dodd

Where is God when I am  hurting?

When I’m lonely or depressed?

When I cannot find an answer

And my body finds no rest?

Where is He who stilled the waters

When the waves were getting higher?

Who rescued Daniel and his friends

When thrown into the fire?

Where is He when with a loved one

I sit helpless whilst they’re dying?

And  hiding my emotions

While inside my heart is crying?

Lord, you made the universe

I know you have the power.

Then please relieve my sorrow

And all my pain this hour !

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"My child I haven’t left you

To face this test alone,

I’m not a God who stays aloof

Just  sitting on my throne.

Though the waters , they are deepening

They will never overflow

Since I am always with you

I love you, don’t you know?

I have still  much to teach you

And finish the whole story.

Of my way for you not your way

Which will bring you home to glory.

Here I am right here beside you,

So please , please take my hand.

One day I’ll  lead you gently

Into the promised  land."

Too Late ! by Brian Dodd

Too Late                           by Brian Dodd

He waved his arms and shook the bars

Outside of heaven’s gate.

He cried out loud and screamed and yelled

When he heard the words “Too late !”

“Too late. Too late, It cannot be

I was called before my time!”

“ Your time ,” replied the voice within

“ Your time ? No! No!  it’s mine !”

“ You had your chance. You had your way.

You have deserved your fate.

My book of life is  closed now

I’m sorry you’re too late.”

“ The way you chose was one of sin

And this has brought you sorrow.

The way to me is  easy,

But the entrance hall is narrow.”

“ That’s not fair, I never sinned ,

I never hurt a flea.

I helped old ladies cross the road

So Listen Lord, I plea.”

“You call me Lord and that is right,

And  so have  very many,

But until their lips and hearts agree

Not one is saved, not any! “

“  I sang  in the church choir, Lord,

Attended every week.”

“ I know dear sinner . You speak the truth

But my presence  did not seek.”

“ You went to church. You said your prayers

All of this is true.

But  that itself won’t save you

Your punishment is due!”

“ It  isn’t piety I want

Or trying to be  good,

But faith in my son,  Jesus,

And sprinkling with his blood!”

“ You’re time has come for reckoning

To understand your fate.

You cannot have a second chance

To live, You are too late !”

A prayer for God to use even me this day.

Dear LORD ,

Never let the work I do become greater than you.

Remind me it’s your work , not mine.

These hands, this mind, this heart you gave me,

I yield them to you.

May your love guide my hands

May your love control my thinking

May my heart be a reservoir filled to overflowing

With love for you,

That others may see,  and feel,  and know your love

That may be seen in me..

Lord you made no mistakes when you made me,

Imperfect as I am.

I lay this weak and fragile soul of mine

Before you today.

As I seek to follow you in faith.

So hold me close and guide my steps

And show me your face I pray.

In Jesus name. Amen.

A hymn . A prayer of hope in troubled times.

My soul, my soul, why be downcast?

The pain l feel  it  will  not last.

God knows the anguish of my heart,

He will one day His peace impart.

My mind  is troubled now,  but wait,

The time will come. It won’t be late,

When all is well and I am free,

And God will grant me liberty.

This momentary affliction gone,

The throne of grace I’ll gaze upon.

The clothes of righteousness I’ll wear

No suffering will affect me there.

By faith I know you live in me,

And that you hear my every plea.

My ears though dull to hear your voice,

Will in your presence  yet  rejoice.

And so in heaven I’ll find my  place,

And see the smile across His face,

“Welcome home, my child, my friend,”

Life in abundance, without end.

O LORD Our Lord

O LORD, Our Lord ( based on Psalm 8) by B.D.

 O LORD, Our Lord... my God and King

How great your name in all the earth.

No tongue can e’er describe your worth.

Above the heavens, you’ve set your glory

You speak to us. We tell your story.

Your enemies can’t bear your gaze

Or listen to your children’s praise.

The moon and stars you’ve put in place,

The seas and skies reflect your face.

All peoples, nations, you have made

Your love for them will never fade.

Each butterfly and beast and bird,

Created by your spoken word.

It’s willful sin you can’t abide

And from your pure eyes must hide.

All flesh must one day bow the knee

Lost, or redeemed, without one plea,

But that you offered Christ your son,

 You reign on high,  your work is done!

O LORD Our Lord my everything !

Rainbow of Hope

Rainbow of Hope by Brian Dodd

Happiness and tears that mingle,

Incongruous cocktail  of emotions.

 Happiness that melts the frozen depths.

Tears flow, never wanted,  yet liberate the soul.

Joy and pain, strange bedfellows.

 This curious and  real dichotomy.

Why?  I cannot tell.

Sunshine and rain  merge mysteriously

Yet,  together,   form a glorious rainbow of hope.

On Call ( response to mental illness based on own experiences)

On call’ by  Brian Dodd

‘Not feeling well again , dad !’

‘ What’s the trouble son,  explain.

Tell me now.    I’m listening.

Let me know your pain.’

‘My thoughts , they keep on racing.

  Can’t go on. I feel so bad.

I cannot sleep . I cannot rest.

 I think I’m going mad.

I’m anxious and confused, dad

There’s turmoil  in my head.

What is there to live for?

I might as well be dead.’

‘ Son , don’t talk like that, please don’t.

These feelings never last.

They’re just  intruders in your mind.

 Stay strong and  they will pass.

I know just how you’re feeling

Darkness,  doubts and fear.

 At the moment things seem muddy,

But I promise you they’ll clear.

OK, your mind is wandering.

Your nerves  on edge,  unsteady

 But You have so much to live for,

 You’ve achieved so much already!

 I know it’s not the answer,

It’s peace you need to find,

But please , please take those meds son’

(A  band aid for the mind.)

‘Thanks dad for simply  being there,

And pray I’ll soon be right

And That  I will  get better

And darkness turns to light.’