Storm-tossed

 “O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold. . ."    

(Isaiah 54:11a ESV)

"And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep." 

 (Matthew 8:24 ESV)

faint heart

a snowflake on the tongue

its frozen splendour gone

in an instant 

a shattered mirror

the shards that pierce

I am the snow queen

yet winter streams still run

liquid fire beneath the ice 

snow is falling like stars

like the ashes of hope

burnt up in reentry

let it blanket my throbbing autumn heart

soft its edges with pale feathers

cool its ardours once again

make me a winter waste land

freeze my fears into nothingness

Sometimes it is easier to be Naomi than Ruth. Sometimes hope is hard. Sometimes emotional hypothermia seems easier than feeling every pin prick. Like Job I say "I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.” (Job 3:26 ESV) And yet, "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."(Romans 8:26 ESV)

[81] My soul longs for your salvation; 
I hope in your word.
[82] My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me? 

(Psalm 119:81-82 ESV)

[25] And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing” [26] And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

(Matthew 8:25-26 ESV)

[5] For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence 

for my hope is from him.

[6] He only is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

[7] On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

[8] Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah

(Psalm 62:5-8 ESV)