Return, O My Soul, To Your Rest

Return, O my soul, to your rest;
    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
    my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 116:7-9

A LAMENT

Darkness closes in again.
Despair wields its ugly sword.
Hope and joy feel so far off.
Why does it feel like you are so slow to save?

My lungs are tight, my breath is heavy.
I cannot keep my eyes cleared of tears.
Will there ever be an end to this sorrow?
Where is your redemption in all of this?

I am wearing thin.
This load seems too heavy carry.
How long, O Lord?

Breathe life into my weary soul.
Hold me in your loving arms.

Find me in this darkness.
I can’t keep myself from sinking.
I need your light;
I need you to make me whole.

Guide me through this storm.
I have been so tossed about that I don’t know which way is up.
Show me your goodness;
Bring restoration where all seems lost.
Save me, O Lord.
Deliver me from this shame, bitterness, and despair.

But you are my Rock.
When all around the storm gives way,
You are my solid ground.
I cannot be shaken because my Shield and Defender is near.

Though you allow sorrow upon sorrow,
Yet I will praise you.
When the waves rise and the darkness lingers,
I will recount your marvelous deeds.
In the midst of the heaviness,
I will turn to you,
Run to you,
Hide myself in you.

Your mercies follow me;
They never run dry.
Your steadfast love is abounding in my life,
Even when I cannot see or feel it.

Weary soul, hold fast.
Do not lose heart. Your hope is stronger than the storm.
The Lord is near in your brokenness.
Your God will guide you, direct you, comfort you.
You will find rest again.