Rocks in my Heart by Byron Gene Mace (February 11, 2014 Draft 19)
I pursue You, O God, but
I hear rattling—there are
Rocks in my heart! Plant
Within me, but first
remove my stony heart
and I will rejoice
for I will be free to
run to You, unhindered
by rocks that rattle and make
ungodly noises.
I run and I see
You are chasing me. I praise You,
O LORD! I rejoice!
And leap into
Your outstretched arms,
But, OH, there are
Stones moving ‘round in my
Heart, and my breath is burdened
And I cry out. O Lord, to You!
You are Jehovah Rophe—the Rock-Remover—
Healing Father-the Burden-Lightener and
The Illumination of my soul—In You I will be
Whole and gloriously lighter
To run into Your arms.
You bind up the broken-
Hearted when sharp
Rocks rip the flesh
And tender parts
And scars harden the
Wounded and swell up the inner-most
Places with hate and guilt-sharpened shards.
You are the Softener-Shepherd Who saves me!
You are Jehovah Rohi
and You comfort.
There were sharp rocks
In my heart but
You allowed tempest winds to rage
To soften the edges and
Then You arose and
Said, “Peace, Be still!” You pursued
And You found me
And picked me up
And put me on Your Rock—
Though hell chased to prevail—
You, then,
Embraced me,
And anointed my
Wounds and
Soothed my soul
With Your quiet
Breath upon me.
I pursue You, O God, but
I hear rattling—there are
Rocks in my heart! Plant
Within me, but first
remove my stony heart
and I will rejoice
for I will be free to
run to You, unhindered
by rocks that rattle and make
ungodly noises.
I run and I see
You are chasing me. I praise You,
O LORD! I rejoice!
And leap into
Your outstretched arms,
But, OH, there are
Stones moving ‘round in my
Heart, and my breath is burdened
And I cry out. O Lord, to You!
You are Jehovah Rophe—the Rock-Remover—
Healing Father-the Burden-Lightener and
The Illumination of my soul—In You I will be
Whole and gloriously lighter
To run into Your arms.
You bind up the broken-
Hearted when sharp
Rocks rip the flesh
And tender parts
And scars harden the
Wounded and swell up the inner-most
Places with hate and guilt-sharpened shards.
You are the Softener-Shepherd Who saves me!
You are Jehovah Rohi
and You comfort.
There were sharp rocks
In my heart but
You allowed tempest winds to rage
To soften the edges and
Then You arose and
Said, “Peace, Be still!” You pursued
And You found me
And picked me up
And put me on Your Rock—
Though hell chased to prevail—
You, then,
Embraced me,
And anointed my
Wounds and
Soothed my soul
With Your quiet
Breath upon me.