Sin, oh sin! such an annoying word – So small, so significant Pestering us, wrestling with our conscience Interfering with our thoughts, clinging to us Trying to capture us and invade us. Let’s ignore it; maybe it will go away Pave the way for peace and freedom? Irritating, pesky word! Still there – Tormenting, bothering, growing: A leech, a sore, a cut, a rash Spreading and slowly, slyly, surreptitiously corrupting Knawing, controlling – Go away! Oh, to be free of you! Peace, I need you! Ah, not to be! Still lurking, deep; occasionally surfacing for air And hanging on, for grim death! That little lie, that ‘harmless’ gossip, that small deception, That unkind act, that hurtful word, that ‘rationalised’ action, That devilish deed, that ‘justified’ fraud, that tax evasion, That blasphemous comment, that violent slap, that ‘rightful’ revenge, But none of it mattered and nobody noticed and no harm’s done – really! Trust me! (Trust me! I wouldn’t – if I were you.) Sin, that little word, has suddenly grown and it’s pressing me down And squashing me in To a cell of my own. With an absence of light, blinded by darkness, constrained by its bars But I have the keys in my hand, though the door is quite shut. I am trapped and held captive; the noise of this silence is deafening me! I must break free; I need to be me – can you hear what I’m saying? Can you see what I mean? What is the answer? Tell me what I must do. We’ve all spent time there – Haven’t we – me and you? It’s a real inside job; and it’s robbed me of life! Breathe, don’t panic, for a solution’s emerging and slowly coming to light It’s getting brighter and brighter and lighter - you’ll see! For...giving, you say? To give me a break? You’ll bleach me whiter - whiter than snow? Set a path before me; a better way to go? And You’ll give me a peace, that this world cannot give? Priceless, yet free; wrapped in love and charity? Seems like a deal – Yes, You have my word: I’ll take it As You’re offering; something I just can’t refuse – Oh, I’d be mad to say No – and where else could I go? Sure this isn’t game? (You know, I’ve been caught out before!) And I’ve a load on my back – took years to build... and pack. Oh, how it’s weighing me down, so I’m now on my knees and I’ve reached the end. You’ll take it all, if I but call on Your name? Your yoke is easy and Your burden light - so You'll lighten my load? And what? I’ll never be the same, again? Just tell me Your name – for I’ve become a bit deaf. Hard of hearing - You know! Jesus. Emmanuel. Friend. Redeemer. And King. Jesus, Who saves. All because You love me! Me? But didn’t we?? Alive - and with you now. Who was. And is. And is to come. Yes! Free me. Please! For I am so sorry – never wanted this pain Got bogged down, fogged up, confused, and quite lost – Never thought for one minute, that You’d really paid the cost! Thank you, my Jesus; thank You. Thank You!
