Arid Pride

"He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; they sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield. By his blessing they multiply greatly; and he does not let their cattle decrease. When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, trouble, and sorrow, he pours contempt upon princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; but he raises up the needy out of affliction, and makes their families like flocks." (1)

Waters In The Desert

With His mercy, He struck the rock
Of my cold heart and waters flowed:
Waters of grace restore His flock;
Abundance of blessings bestowed.

Yet this flow can be dammed with pride,
And sandbagged with ingratitude;
When access to my heart's denied,
I block His grace with attitude.

Lord strike my heart; conquer my pride.
Cast me down to my proper place.
Deluge my heart which has decried
The precious treasure of Your grace.

For from the humble heart He flows:
Oasis in the desert sands,
Wherein the barren earth He grows
A harvest nurtured by His hands.

(c) Paul Buis, 2002