06/11/2025
A poem on Sanctification
by Paul Tripp
Sometimes I love you
filled with thanks
remembering rescue
mercies undeserved
resting in your love
submitting to your will.
Sometimes I forget you
focused on my plan for me
envying what others have
demanding, entitled
finding your will burdensome
wrestling in discontent.
Sometimes I am your instrument
giving the grace you gave
sharing your faithful love
serving and giving
willing to confess
committed to forgive.
Sometimes people tire me
wishing they were out of my way
irritated by their weakness
quickly judging their sin
more impatient than forgiving
wanting to be left alone.
Sometimes your truth fills my heart
never too full of your Word
captured in vertical meditation
walking the halls of your revelation
with a thankful heart
wanting to know and grow.
Sometimes your Word seems heavy
distant from where I am
reading a duty more than a blessing
prayer a burden
eyes closed, mind wandering
heart cold, unsettled.
Sometimes Sunday is a celebration
love to gather with your people
worship gripping the heart
fellowship warming my soul
instruction giving life
thankful to be included.
Sometimes Sunday is a dread
wondering why I’m here
not ready to open my heart
in my regular seat
hoping to be avoided
waiting for it all to end.
This is my unfaithful journey
not always moving toward your light
my righteousness falling short
my unholy holiness
hot, cold, lukewarm
struggling to always follow.
Thus my only hope
not what I offer you
but what you have generously given me
the consistency of your grace
faithful in tender mercy
I have nothing but you.
You don’t look on me with disgust
you don’t see me with regret
you cover me with righteousness
your patience is infinite
you will not abandon what you’ve begun
I am safe with you.
Please hold me near
illumine the eyes of my soul
pour life into my heart
empower the Spirit within.
Carried in your faithful arms
guide me to my eternal home.
