Bruised Reed Poem by Ginny Alloway Baker

I was a bruised reed,
feeling of failing
weary of waiting,
yet He would not break me,
but would redeem me.
His strength was made perfect in my weakness
I was the dimly burning wick,
Lit so long ago in a dark place,
fading as a light to see.
Yet, He would not extinguish me,
but rather His love would fan a flame
so it could burn brightly with hope again.
Hope deferred made my heart sick,
but desire fulfilled became a tree of life.
I was the afflicted, the needy,
seeking water where there was none.
My tongue had become parched with thirst,
He answered me Himself
and helped me dig deep wells.
He will not forsake me,
He opens rivers and pools,
and makes the wilderness a spring,
the dry land a fountain.
He gives the peace that passes understanding
so the table He prepares in the
midst of my enemies is secure.
I can trust in Him.
He revives my soul from sickness,
He restores my spirit to richness,
He always will be my dwelling place
I long for the day I can see His face.

January 8,2006