Oh God! Oh, God! Why have You forsaken me?’ (Psalm 22) Am I not Your son? Have I not been created in Your own image? Why do heavy burdens fall on my shoulders And force me to the ground? People insult me; they defame my name They hurt me; they punish me; With ridicule, they torment me And yet, no action do You take. You leave me floundering in the pit of despair, Confused and alone. My energy is gone; my heart is weak. My life, surely, is nearly spent – And You offer me no help! No plan of rescue? No hand of friendship? Where is Your mercy? Have mercy on me, please! Waves try to drown me. Soaked through by their swell, I am cold to the core. My very bones shout for relief – but it does not come. Rocking madly in the violence of icy water, I look for You. I know You are there, for still, You love me. Won’t You save me, for pity’s sake? Nightmarish screams echo across the sea and reach land. Will refuge be found? How close is home? Where can my heart rest? ***************** My bed is warm and cosy, yet I hear my spirit’s plea: Save me! Save me! I am drowning, pressed down by strife and woe Tribulation and trial hammer at my door; They deafen me. Save us! Save us, for we have no one but You - 'You have the words of eternal life' (John 6). The cross is just too heavy; the road, too long; The gate, too narrow; the night, too dark; the light, too weak. We are faltering; our feet can barely take another step. Come, Dear God, for we are clinging on for dear life! Are we not yours – the sheep of Your flock? ****************** I see it now: the Cross on the hillside: Golgotha. Debris and waste are strewn on the barren land. Everything is neglected in this place of shame. Oh, but You! You are changing all things. 'Making all things new'! (Revelation 21) Bursting forth from its pain; Discarding its shame; ignoring its weight - and You reach out to me! With hands scarred and bloody, From a heart of fire and peace, From a Spirit of victorious light, From a Spirit of love and joy, You touch my heart and hold my hands. Oh, Blessed One, You set me free. In You, I know, ‘I live and move and have my being’ (Acts 17). I am home. The cross that I carry is never the weight of the one You bore for my sins – If I had only the eyes to see the light of truth And could feel the depth of Your mercy And realise the greatness of Your love! My cross: my privilege: Your gift. By Your Grace, I now see. Thanks be to God.