Always There

 As I live from day to day functioning on my mortal ways
I've had to come face to face with my weaknesses
Some have brought consequences that became hard lessons
Others have gifted me with undeserved mercy
But no matter which path I'm directed toward
I know Thou hasn't departed from me

As the world's turmoil begins to press my world
I've had to find the strength and courage to move on
Some battles I've conquered with an unusual ease
Others have engulfed me in anxiety and darkness
Even though this battle sometimes feels lonely
I know Thou waits nearby ready to provide me strength

As the devil ravages through the world of souls
Stirring up anger and hatred among the already dire situations
Hearts are failing and souls are giving up
The feelings of sorrow grows all too common
But even among his wreaking devastations
Thou art there to bring hope to the hopeless and weary

I look to the sides and everything was turned upside down
And everything coming at me blows with vigorous strength
I feel the power of it all, and sometimes I worry about losing my grip
Losing control, that's a scary thing to experience
And it may take some humbling before I remember
Thou art my most powerful stronghold

Of all of the things I've witnessed over time
Only one thing is there to steady me
When I'm overcome with what the world throws
That thing always there is Thee.

Commentary:

I've been thinking about a lot of things lately, some thoughts included here and some not. Thinking through this year and the roller coaster ride I've seen going on in the world, it's been a truly trying year for everyone in some way or another. There are people who began this year loving life and enjoying the pleasures of everyday normal life, and then Covid made its chaotic entrance. I know of people who have lost jobs and some live with the anxiety about whether or not they'll wake up tomorrow with a job. I know of people who have had to come face to face with the darkness and anxieties of their mental health issues. Others aren't able to visit loved ones as they like.

It's easy to feel despair when you watch the world spin out of control and suddenly become aware that you can't control many of those things. This can also cause a lot of fear and perhaps even anger. It's not fun watching the world collapse around you, and not being able to fix it. This poem is written as a reminder to me as well as to others that putting our trust in God is the best thing we can do in such a time. Doing this gives me peace and overcomes those dark feelings. It helps me think more about others who could use some strength. The world may still spin with all its chaotic noise, but the soul will remain quiet and calm. Let it be so.