A Tough Nut to Crack

Imprisoned in a rigid shell 
Protected from external force 
The meat, the heart of the nut
Grew surrounded very well 
Defended from all foe 

Thinking it was self-contained
It realized not the greater strains 
That exert great pressure  
Causing change by measure 
Beyond what it did know

Fearful of much transformation  
Holding sense of stiff control
It toughened more it’s outer shell                  
Hardened its own heart as well
Thick layers to protect 

How can a fruitful lovely tree 
Grow from stubborn gnarly seed 
That kicks and fights against the goad
Will not open or unfold 
Remains hard, unyielding 

Not ‘til comes to end of self 
When the shell is finally cracked 
Can the essence trapped inside 
Flavor of the hearty meat 
Its blooming be released 

What kind of nut am I, LORD 
One whose shell is sealed hard 
Or willingly a softer kind 
Your redemption yields in time 
At last a tendered heart

~~~

Matthew 13:15 NKJV
“For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’”

Psalms 29:11
“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.”