Problems From Within-Without (1 Cor 13:13; Matt. 7:2; Romns 12:4-8; Psalms 107:23-32)

There’s problems which assail us, within our tender hearts;
There’s challenges around us which terror then imparts;
It matters not the sources, both cripple up our lives –
We can escape the outcome and see our living thrive.

The inner pain and tumult arises from our past;
The outer pain and hassle comes from a world that’s vast,
And we are just a rowboat out in an ocean storm –
We rise and fall quite dizzy – can’t steer, and sail is torn.

This day I thank You Father for moments there with You;
A chance to help each other in gatherings of few;
A chance to hear Your guidance, passed on from days of yore;
A chance to move on forward graced as we’ve been before.

I’m glad that You recycle our bitterness and tears;
I’m glad that You assist us to grow despite our fears;
I’m glad You brought these people into my life these days;
I’m glad they shared so freely and heard what Scripture says.

Rich treasury of insight, to help us on in life,
Distilled throughout the ages to sparkling water bright,
Which satisfies our longing and heals the hurt within,
And helps us cope with troubles as this day now begins.

I pray for these few people who struggle out or in;
I pray their lives continue to bloom, not just begin;
I pray they grasp the purpose You had in mind that time
You thought them up as blessing to us – each gift sublime:

Encouragers with how to; compassion folks with care;
Perceiver types with vision which guide us through despair;
The teachers bringing info; the givers with their cash;
The servers with their labor; the leaders guiding tasks.

But most of all Your Spirit which lifts us when we’re down;
The way You help us stand up when we land on the ground;
Your faith and hope restoring, and love supplied to each,
That when we see our neighbor in trouble we can reach –

A helping hand as others helped us when we were lost;
The way they stayed around us despite enormous cost;
I’m grateful You recycle our messed up lives so we
Can move into our futures, become what now we see.

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