Beneath the Mask

Who am I beneath the mask 
Of daily said requirements 
The me whose soul is languishing 
Searching for the happy face 

Has carrying burdens overwhelmed 
Am I too tuned to inward self 
Not yet dead to temporal 
Searching for the joy 

Forgive me, LORD, for wasting time 
Or is this not a waste at all 
Put boundaries ‘round my heavy heart 
Lest under all I fall 

Take away the idols there
Grasping at my spirit’s heart 
Forgive me LORD for stewing in 
Distortions, shadows grim 

Teach me again Your lessons rich 
Diamonds dug deep in the dark 
Spilling now into Your light 
Your presence purely there

Fill me please with renewed life 
With hope while in this labyrinth 
Let this lament win its prize 
To pour Your victory’s praise 

~~~

LORD, thank You for understanding and for giving us permission to be honest. To bring before You whatsoever state we’re in for Your solution. Every time we do, You are trustworthy, able to lift, restore our hope and peace. Transform us from our soulishness, whatever pall of gloominess. Bring instead encouragement. Lift us up again. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Matthew 26:38-39 NLT
“He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’”

Luke 6:21 NLT
“Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.”

~~
If you are wrestling with sadness, sorrow, or grief, I suggest looking up those words in the Bible. My quick go-to is the ‘Discovery’ option in the YouVersion Bible app. There are hundreds of verses. Jesus the Man of Sorrows is well acquainted with our grief, and has overcome all suffering. We are never alone or forgotten. 

Psalms 126:5 NLT
“Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.”

Psalms 43:5 NLT 
“Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!”