Some days I run with passionate endurance.
Some days I walk with a limp.
The pressing on and finishing well
Can seem never-ending.
The fight could really just stop.
I don’t want to face the enemy—
I’d rather just hide.
Needing a break from it all.
That’s when I must push deep into rest,
Not sleep or taking a nap.
But pursuing quiet in the middle of the busyness,
Soaking in my time sitting at Jesus’ feet.
I come away from the distractions of life
To refocus instead on the outstretched hand,
Beckoning me to come to Him
And allow Him to restore my soul.
He leads me by quiet waters, but not always visible ones.
Sometimes they just trickle through my soul.
Nonetheless present,
He knows what I need,
And I simply choose to be led
Rather than pursuing the goal on my own
Just to be found exhausted and weary,
Crying out for relief and change.
He brings balm for my wounds,
He brings peace for my spirit.
He brings love to chase away the fear.
He brings strength for my weariness.
He brings beauty for my ashes.
He brings tenderness when all else seems raw.
He brings freedom from chains.
He brings all that I need for each fight, each burden, each pain.
As I invite Him to be a part of each phrase of my day,
He is present and never forsakes.
He empowers me to keep running with endurance
The race set before me,
Even when without Him it’s insurmountable.
For with God, no matter the mountain you face,
You know He reminds you again,
There is nothing impossible for His love and grace,
And He lifts your head with this truth.
Remember what He has given
In the gift of His Life within.
His Spirit counsels and participates,
And you can turn to Him whenever you need.
In the quiet moments of sleepless nights,
Or the maddening throngs of anxiety—
He is present and always listening,
And He welcomes you with open arms.
I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus. Phil 3:12-14