I stood with empty hands to bargain with God
for the treasures over which my eyes lusted.
I pressed my case, bluffed, and came up short.
I begged and pleaded for the very things
which later proved my undoing.
I put aside reason and sacrificed truth for my own profit
Indeed, I lost everything of worth
and gained nothing for my stubbornness.
I was still trying for more when surrender beckoned
at first in a subtle almost silent voice
but then nearly a scream.
I know it may sound simple
as though a formula is being offered,
It may appear far too simple
but I have been my own worst enemy,
and the only true casualty of my unrestrained desires,
the real fool in this parade.
I did not want to surrender. NO!! I had to surrender.
I looked again at hands I thought full
they were empty, EMPTY!
I assesed the war at hand and found I was losing.
I reviewed my case and for the first time noticed
I was guilty.
and so…I surrendered.
I offered up my empty hands this time with no request.
I threw myself on the mercy of the court
and was amazed to find…mercy, grace and patience.
I wondered why I had run for so long.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets
and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed
to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks
under her wings, but you were not willing.” Matt. 23:37
Are you now willing to be gathered?
Or are your hands filled with stones?
Oh, they may appear glittering treasures, but they are stones.
They are dirt covered, weighty, meaningless currency
which in the end will purchase you—nothing.
Worth more–are your empty hands
and humbled heart