O Love that will not let me go....

A hymn from my childhood comes to mind, Lord,

as I wrestle with a part of me that wants to

throw the towel in and go my own way.

"O Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
that in thine ocean depths
its flow may richer, fuller be."
(George Matheson, 1842-1906)

Thank You for Your love 

that will not let me go,

even when I try to pry my fingers loose.

Double-mindedness and rebellion

war against You, Lord...

and still, Your love will not let go.

I picture a screaming toddler

having a tantrum, 

trying to free herself from her parents’ death grip.

That has been me, Lord.

Wanting to be free of You

to do exactly as I please,

even if it is dangerous and foolish.

But, in Your great love and wisdom,

You hold fast to this wayward child of Yours.

Forgive me, Lord.

Thank You for such amazing love.

I shudder to think what would become of me

if I managed to wrestle myself free of You,

or if You let go of me.

Thank You for the assurance that You

will never leave me nor forsake me,

O Love that will not let me go! 

 

Julie Engler Miles, Copyright 2002