A Bruised Reed (Poem)

 

A Bruised Reed

I feel so bruised and so battered;
These burdens are too much for me.
Weighed down and heavy laden with struggles,
I’m overwhelmed by the darkness I can see.

My fire seems to flicker and falter,
At times I am afraid it may go out.
This pain inside seems so strong today -
Oh, why must I stumble and doubt?

There’s a mustard seed of faith in my heart.
At times it doesn’t seem to reach God’s throne above;
But when I cry out from the depths in desperation,
A still small voice inside whispers of Your love.

When I’m sinking, Your arms reach down towards me;
In gentleness, You rescue my soul from the mire.
You lift me up and set my feet upon solid ground again;
In Your lovingkindness, You lift me up even higher.

Though I’m a bruised reed, You will not break me.
Your mercy and compassion heal my soul.
Though this smoking flax seems to almost be quenched,
By Your tenderness and grace, You make me whole.

You gently lead me in the paths of Your Word;
In righteousness and truth, You light my way.
When my strength falters and feels so weak inside,
You remind me, Your strength is renewed day by day.

When all I can do is weakly murmur, “Help, Lord!”
I know from the depths of my heart, You hear my cry.
There’s a stirring of simple hope in this soul of mine,
I know You’ll lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!

November 13th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Psalms 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

Matthew 12:17-21 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Psalms 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.