Thinking man’s woe (Luke 6:26)

It’s no peculiar sin of mine,
and no remarkable vice,
to care to be thought of as loving and kind,
or even attractive or nice.
But vanity hides a poor spirit, I’m sure,
and no one would dare disagree.
So curse the desire that in spite of hell’s fire
would have you to think well of me!

Lord, let me avoid seeking credit,
and "staying on top of my game,"
and strive to known as a Christian.
(Not poetic or deep, to my shame!)
Pride comes before the destruction of man,
and haughtiness precedes his fall,
so may it be said long before I am dead,
I don’t care to be thought of at all!

On Luke 21:36

surrounded by sadness
horror and darkness
trouble and danger and war
O! for a psalm
with a comforting promise
that sorrow will touch us no more!

if enemies, even
in unnumbered thousands
surround us and we watch them fall
still we who are learning
to love those who hate us
can comfort ourselves not at all

and when those who fall
are the innocent children
the lonely, the sick and the old
then heartbreak may rise
‘til it near overwhelms us
but we must stand faithful and bold

we won’t find it easy
sweet people of Jesus
to follow in His gentle way
so prayerfully heed
His commandments and warnings
and pray to stand faithful that day