Gifts That Stay

A robust theology

Of our Christ, it teaches me

That true friends, good health, and wealth

Are not good exclusively

No - our hurts and trials, they too

When pain’s real and our doubts loom

Are producing things not seen

Treasures found outside our view

Yes, in suffering God is there

When pain causes hearts to tear

We’re vowed best eternal good

We’re vowed strong unceasing care

Trust through our great trials we sow

Causing precious faith to grow

Testing fire makes this gold pure

Bringing glow we’ll someday know

Deep cavernous truth indeed

But right balance is in need

Yet I have been only here

I am needing to be freed

So this morning I’ve been stopped

From fear of the hammer drop

Wrongly thinking blessings near

Benefit only when cropped

Really gifts in fullness bring

Joy to Him my glorious King

When received with grateful heart

And enjoyed with one that sings

See His words long written there

Joined with mine said now in prayer

Make these pleasures set apart

While my worries He will bear

He delights in my delight

And it takes his heart aflight

Jesus truly loves and gives

Joy that’s holy in his sight

So though God in wisdom may

Give a thing then take away

He stands mighty, eager, free

To give lovely gifts that stay

Thanks for reading.