TEARS

What have I done that tears should come my way
That sorrow's piercing sword should crush my soul
With hidden fears that trouble me today
And leave me helpless, torn, too weak to pray?

Death struck and buried all my hopes and dreams
The light of day has turned to darkest night
And memory past no longer whispers peace
But only haunting echoes are released!

The grave that stole the joy within my heart
And left tomorrows hopes all torn apart
Cries out in loneliness and deep despair
To hear some promise of God's love and care.

The One Who sees each tear fall from our eyes
Was wounded for our sins and crucified
He conquered death to set the captive free
And through His Name we claim the victory!
B. Pent
　

LONELINESS

Loneliness met me this morning
Depression then knocked at the door
Pressures of life soon had bound me
Leaving me helpless once more.

Life has its fears and deep sorrow
No one escapes from its grip
Everyone carries some burden
Thinking they'll fall in a pit.

You're not alone in this battle
History reminds us each day
Trials and troubles surround us
Only what's left is to pray.

So in the face of each trial
Give God the burden you bear
He knows each rut in the pathway
Cast on the Lord all your care.
--B. Pent

ADRIFT AT SEA!

I felt so strong and full of hope
The future seemed so free from stress
When suddenly a storm cloud formed
That robbed me of its peace and rest.

It was so subtle at the start
The winds of change that blew my way
Had left me drifting by the tide
Without a compass or a Guide.

Despair gave way to helplessness
As waves of doubt tore me apart
I could not reach the shore alone
Until He saw my pleading heart.

Then side by side with arms of strength
Through grace He drew me back to shore
And like an anchor to my soul
There is no drifting any more.
--B. Pent

Zechariah 1:7-17 - The Man Among The Myrtle Trees

The curtain rises with a start!
A rider on a horse appears
And stands among some myrtle trees
Where other colored steeds are seen.

But who is he who stands alone?
And why do angel riders roam?
It is the Angel of the Lord
Whose word is like a piercing sword.

The sweating steeds had just returned
Patrolling earth's remotest end
And found the world at peace and rest
While Judah still remained oppressed.

Then in the valley of despair
A voice is heard in fervent prayer
As God the Son stands in their place
Imploring Yahweh for His grace.

The Lord spoke kind and loving words
With promises they would be heard
His Temple will again be raised
With Israel's shout: "the Lord be praised!"
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. The first thing Zechariah sees is a rider on a red horse standing in a ravine (v.9). Who is this rider (v.11) and what might "the ravine" suggest
about where Israel found itself at this time?
2. What is a "christophany" and why would He appear as an angel and not man as indicated in John 1:14?
3. Since we are not told the meaning of these colored steeds (v.8b), what do the colored horses in Revelation 6:1-7 represent and might there be
some parallel? Do you wonder if perhaps they are the same? Why? or Why not?
4. Verse 12 pictures the Angel of the Lord praying to Yahweh on behalf of suffering Israel. We find a similar passage in John 17 between Jesus
and His Father. How should this encourage us during our times of greatest need?

GIVING THANKS

I see the starving throng
Who have no food to eat.
I leave the grocery store
With lots of fruit and meat.
And yet, as night gives way to sleep
The question I repeat:
"Shouldn't I give thanks?"

The broken shacks appear
Where huddled families live
While I in comfort view
And very little give,
And still, as night gives way to sleep
The question I repeat:
"Why don't I give thanks?"

The sick lie in despair
There seems so little hope
With medication rare
The suffering cannot cope.
And then, as night gives way to sleep
The question I repeat:
"When will I give thanks?"

Thanksgiving's here again
As family members share
The blessings we receive
For those we love and care.
And so, as night gives way to sleep
This time I will repeat:
"Dear Lord! I give you thanks!"
--B. Pent

LET ME CRY ON YOUR SHOULDER

Loneliness met me this morning
Life seemed so empty and gray
Time came along to torment me
Leaving me helpless all day.

I was afraid to go further
Walking this valley alone
Fear and despair, my companions
Seeking for grace to atone.

Then I called out in my anguish
Out of the depth of despair:
"Is there a hand that can rescue
Will you come answer my prayer?"

Please let me cry on your shoulder
Help drive this darkness away
Then I shall stand in the sunlight
Knowing real joy for the day.
--B. Pent

COMFORT THROUGH PAIN

Today you walk
Life's path alone
And sorrow tempts
Your heart to fear
As shattered dreams
Drive faith from sight
And in the dark
You find no light.

God feels your pain
He knows your heart.
His Son went through
The Cross of shame
But by His grace
You can declare
He is the Path
Through life's despair.

God knows you're sad
He sees your tears
He rode the storm
Of life you face.
His promised love
Will never fail
He'll be the Wind
Behind your sail.

So trust Him now
To light your way.
The night will yield
A brighter day
He'll carry you
With gentle hand
So in His strength
Your faith will stand
--B. Pent