To know God’s peace in my heart and to find rest there* - 
oh, it is such a fleeting space 
as the waves of this life toss me back and forth amongst sharks. 
And even in that movement, 
I have been told, 
God is there, 
holding me safe and offering peace. 
Why then would I ever turn my face from the outstretched hand of my Lord? 
Am I insane? 
Am I haughty? 
Or, am I simply exhausted? 

Lift me up, Lord, and protect me from the snares of this world. 
For I have struggled too long, relying on my own strength – 
first unknowingly chasing false gods 
and then proudly believing their lies about my own power. 
Now, just depleted and worn, I lay my empty self at Your feet. 
My faith is in Your strength alone. 
My hope is in Your mercy. 
My relief only ever found in Your love. 

*With great thanks to Henri Nouwen for his journal entry entitled: “Keep Living Where God Is” (The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom)