The Poet and His Poem

Today, I attended a women's Bible study at a friend's home. What a wonderful time we shared together! This was actually their last meeting together before breaking for the summer. We watched Beth Moore's video, Going Home, from her study called "To Live is Christ." (I think that was the name of it!)

She discussed the Greek word used in Ephesians 2:10 for "workmanship," which is poeima. This word in its original Greek is the root of our contemporary word for "poem."

God is the Poet, and I am His poem. I am His workmanship. I am not complete, for new lines are daily being added to this poem. Sometimes, He writes between the lines. He makes my life rhyme. He gives meaning and purpose and direction.

When I read poetry, I look for rhymes. I like the structure of a well-ordered verse and beautiful descriptions that open my mind's eye. I think God has ordered my life just like a poem. If I read today's lines, they may not make much sense, but when I "read" those lines several days, weeks, or months from now, I might be able to understand why the Poet chose those "words." I may be able find the rhyme.

Poetry is complicated and beautiful. If you have ever tried to write a poem, you can find yourself agonizing over the last word of a stanza for days before you find what you're looking for. That's the complicated part. The Lord has a plan and purpose for my life, He knows every word to every line of my unique poem.

And when He is finished writing my poem,
it will rhyme perfectly,
it will be beautiful,
and I will praise Him!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

"Light Shining out of Darkness" is one of my all-time favorite poems. When my mother was sick with breast cancer, and I was living with her to help her and my dad, I remember sitting in her living room and reading it to her. When I finished, she amazed me by singing it back to me! I didn't know it was a hymn, but it was a beautiful song, especially when sung to me by my mother.

Light Shining out of Darkness
by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.


Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.


Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.


Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.


His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.