Reigning In The Heart

Desires pull the heart in all directions. How can the soul find rest with a restless heart? In peace, the soul finds the grace to rise above the desires and reign in the heart.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever." (1 John 2.15-17)

Hounds Of Desire

Countless desires draw the heart
In all directions from its place.
How quickly peace is torn apart!
Can the soul find rest without grace?

Intention to do good abounds,
While strong temptations taunt and goad;
They hunt the heart like baying hounds --
Can the soul find a safe abode?

Humility dampens desires:
The soul accepts its truth and place.
The peace of Christ puts out the fires --
The soul finds refuge in His grace.

By grace, the soul lifts up its eyes:
Above the heart's selfish craving,
Beyond the world's heavy ties,
And past temptation's mad raving.

Peace is the soul's humble abode;
Desires of the heart implode.

"Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. …those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God… those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5.16,21b,24)

Lord, grant me the grace of humility to accept and love my truth and place, that peace may rule my heart. Free me from the desires that pierce my heart with many pangs. Amen.