Do not weep:
The Word shines light on your darkest depths
And brings to light how far the gap,
How vast the space between your deeds
And what you should have done.
But do not weep: today the joy
Of the Lord shall be your strength.
Do not fret:
Sit silently before the Word
And let it turn your hearts of clay
Into new hearts of living flesh,
Hearts that pound as one and live
To glorify your God, and know
His joy shall be your strength.
Do not fight:
Don’t fight against the Word you hear
Or look elsewhere for fulfilment.
Today before your very eyes,
The scripture’s truths have come to pass:
Sight for the blind, freedom for slaves,
Joy to be out strength.
Rejoice:
The Word may cut you to the quick;
Your prison cell may still seem real;
Christ’s body may fight with itself
And you may languish in confused
Stasis where you stand. Rejoice:
His joy must be your strength.
The Consolations of Writing 