Do Not Lose Heart

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh…So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day." 1

Wounded Heart

My heart surrenders to despair;
It's pulled down in the murky deep.
My spirit struggles; gasps for air,
And then succumbs to restless sleep.

When I lose heart, my spirit fails.
My flesh resumes its tyranny.
Sin can't console -- it just impales
A wounded soul's security.

I cry to God in my distress.
I renounce all my selfish ways.
He touches me with sweet caress;
His Mercy lifts me from my daze.

Now my heart beats as one with His;
Our wounds are joined upon the cross.
He is my strength; my wounds are His,
When I stumble and suffer loss.

O wounded hearts, seek out the Lord.
He'll pull you out; you'll be restored!

(c) Paul Buis, 2000

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1. 2 Corinthians 4:8-11,16