A Strange Mercy

Mercy, Now, as Root and Core

A storm that drives one in for cover

May in time be blessed a lover.

Not as beautiful in face,

Or tender, nor possessing grace,

But an escort to the throne

Where mercy, now, her depths make known.

"Oh cursed wind!" I'd first proclaim,

Not knowing wind to bear the name

Of pilot, navigator, guide,

Each title accurately applied

While beaching me on humbled shore

Where self is less and Christ is more.

Brought to the refuge of your cleft,

Here I look 'round at nothing left

And see how pride lies deathly still

When shown the limit of it's will.

I cannot boast or roar again,

Save, in this cleft that's hemmed me in.

What blinding light breaks through the rear!

This cleft's a door whispering, "Come near,
And watch God's light illuminate

Where eyes of flesh could not make straight."

Each trial sung in earthly score

Hears mercy, now, as root and core.

-Jason Harms

"'The Lord sits enthroned over the flood.' A storm is simply the hem of his robe, the sign of his coming, and the evidence of his presence. Dare to trust him! Dare to follow him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life became at his command the very materials he uses to build your streets of freedom."

-F.B. Meyers