PAIN
Pain knocked upon my door
I did not ask it to come in
Yet suddenly it pushed its way
An uninvited guest within.

I sought for comfort in distress
A balm to ease the ache and pain
But cries for mercy and relief
Were unattended and in vain.

So why this cross of heavy weight
Be given me so weak and frail?
Must this be carried to my grave
Without some purpose to avail?

Twas then a vision came to light
A Man of Sorrows crushed by blows
Was seen with nails and blood-stained brow
So through His stripes real healing flows.

God's every purpose will prevail
His nail-pierced hands reach from above
And those who seek His healing touch
Will find through you His grace and love.
--B. Pent

FEELING BETRAYED

I'm torn apart, so full of pain
Its arrows shatter all my dreams
My heart is filled with bitter shame
I feel betrayed while given blame.

The anger that disturbs my rest
Has made all trust a distant friend
And like a ship that's lost at sea
Its waves are crashing down on me.

Why did this jagged cross appear
Inflicting so much pain and tears?
Is this the price that I must pay
For following Jesus every day?

Tis then I hear the Shepherd's voice
While clinging to His nail-scared hands
"It is My cross you're called to bear
It is My love you're called to share."

So from the ashes of my grief
The Potter forms a vessel rare
And yielding to His will I find
The Treasure that He has in mind.
--B. Pent

FEELING LOST

There are times life has no meaning
Like a ship that's tempest tossed
Without sail or sturdy rudder
In the darkness can be lost.

What seemed once a sunny future
With a vision bright and clear
Suddenly turns to disappointment
Leading down the path of fear.

Broken dreams can break the spirit
When all hope seems torn away
And the soul cries out in anguish
For some light along the way.

Then a voice speaks through the darkness
As the Captain calms the storm
Bringing back the broken vessel
Till she lands safe on the shore.

Now I find when trouble threatens
To destroy my trust in Him
I just call out to my Captain
To control my life within.
--B. Pent

I'VE TOUCHED THOSE SCARS!

His tender voice
I heard one day,
"Forgive them, Father!"
Was His plea.
I turned to look,
He spoke my name.
Upon the cross
He placed my blame.

I touched the scars
Those nails had torn.
I felt the healing
In His voice.
And then my spirit
Was set free,
Since by His grace
I made that choice.

My faith has found
A resting place.
The Rock of Ages
Is my hope.
His arms of love
Will lead I know,
Through every test
Of life below.

Beyond the tomb
The Spirit's power
With life infilling
Every part,
Consumes the dross
The flesh has made,
And through the cross
His name is praised.
--B. Pent