Principles Day 29 – Not my will, but Yours

Day Twenty Nine – The Third Note (continued) 

This joy is a divine gift, coming from union with God in Christ. It is still there even in times of darkness and difficulty, giving cheerful courage in the face of disappointment, and an inward serenity and confidence through sickness and suffering. Those who possess it can rejoice in weakness, insults, hardships, and persecutions for Christ’s sake; for when we are weak, then we are strong.  

When nagging pain grips fast with iron claws

or heavy grief drains hope of future joy,

it’s nigh impossible to smile and pause

and thank God for the blessings of the day. 

Yet we are one with Christ, who on the Tree

said, ‘Son, behold your mother, woman, your son,’

promised, ‘You’ll be in Paradise with me,’

and prayed, ‘Forgive the sins unknowing done.’

His peace is not the World’s peace, fragile, brief –

his joy runs deep, transcending agony. 

His care for Mary, John, soldiers and thief,

the ‘Yes,’ he wept in dark Gethsemane,

are strength in weakness, faith to persevere,

true hope, the perfect love that casts out fear.