In the Desert

I wrote this yesterday in church (as well as "Grant me Wisdom"). A lot of it is coming from the actual physical issues I've been going through, especially in the first stanza. The main thought I am trying to capture is that when everything around you is crumbling, and even the world and your life seem to be at their end, then the only thing that is left is Christ, and that is what heaven is. If we choose to see it, it is in our most stinging weakness that we are closest to Him.

In the Desert - Lee A Buckingham, August 2nd, 2009

In my hands, weakness grows
my arms have lost their strength.
I am weary, my chin falls to my breast,
tired, longing for rest.
My soul stares out over the desert.

Dry winds parch my spirit,
my adversaries approach.
In their strength, they stir up dust on the horizon,
clouding the sky, darkening the sun.
What do they seek? I have not even the strength to flee.

I long for rest, for a quiet place,
that my soul might lay down to sleep.
Where, Lord, is my strength?
From what rock will you bring forth your streams?
Can I rest by those quiet waters?

My mind is a fog, a desert haze,
swirling and dry.
I lift my eyes in wait for you,
even as I lay upon the sand.
For Your salvation, Your joy, I thank you.

It is even in the screaming, searing winds,
that Your gentle breeze calms my mind, cools my mouth, brings peace.
In the thunder and the lightning, in the howling gale,
I hear Your whisper amidst the chaos.
You say, “I am with you.”

Then the storm rages and the skies darken,
all earthly hope flees from my mind.
I turn to You, and all that remains in that empty, deadly place,
is Your wondrous life.
In You, I find my peace, my eyes have light.

No storm will now make me flee,
I will be made to endure.
Your gentlest touch scatters the winds,
the vultures cry out and return to their crags.
Only You have saved me.

No wide desert will now make me falter,
though my body turn to ash and dust.
Though I fall, still all that is within me
will praise Your glorious name!
For in this desert, all that remains is You, my joy, and delight.

And where you alone remain, I am lost no longer in the desert,
but in a glimpse of heaven's light.