Letting Go

For all my brother and sisters in Christ, learning to let go of something:

My hands are bruised and broken from all the things You've pried from me. My heart is black and battered from the wounds You've set upon me. I hold up angry, swollen fists to fend You off, yet You keep pushing ever closer, and I'm up against the wall. You gently grab my hands and unclench my tightened fingers, as I fight back bitter tears and watch with helpless eyes. Your sad expression belies the stripes and wounds You gave, until You show me Yours, trailing down Your back and piercing limbs and side. You then take out a vessel made of clay, and pour out blood and water over all my cuts and wounds. It soothes and stings, as only healing can, and soaks into my skin, dripping from both hands. My anger lessens now, my bitter tears turned broken, and I slide down the wall to the ground. You kneel next to me, touch my cheek and whisper lovingly, "I am the Healer. See? The wounds on your hands are gone, I have covered them with Mine. But for Me to heal and free your heart, you must trust Me, seek Me, wait on Me, then I will do the rest. Like a child, you grasp at things you desire, but that will hurt you in the end. I can pry these things from you, but to change the desires of your heart, we must work as one. Look to Me to see if what you hold is safe, and I will keep you from all harm, and teach you what is good. Only then will your desires even be fulfilled, for I will be the One to grant them."

Isaiah 30:18-21

 18Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you,

         And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you 

         For the LORD is a God of justice;

         How blessed are all those who long for Him.

 19O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.

 20Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher.

 21Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions, 
   he was crushed for our iniquities; 
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, 
   and by his wounds we are healed.