Abandon

I was pleased with my striving

– with what I had laid down

but, when I met my Father's gaze

I drew from Love, his frown

The truth was that

my offering was much

like that of Cain's –

my own ideas

and my own will

and sacrifices vain

I thought God would be eager

to receive my gestures grand

But, they were morsels meager

once I placed them in His hand

The offering

God desires

is not a bended knee

It isn't money

song or deeds

The offering

is me

My inclinations

half my life

is not what Christ paid for

It's my whole heart

the things that hurt

Yet, He deserves far more

Sacrifice that's costly –

that makes the flesh to sting

is a freedom fragrance rising

pleasing to my King

Whatever I most want to stay

is what I must give away

for that is where my heart has strayed

and where Christ brings His better way

Whatever I most want to keep

is the point I lose, that which I seek

God's kingdom is sweet life

through death –it's riches

to have nothing left!

God wants to make me able

despite my brother's wrath

to give away my life to him

with a grateful heart, that's glad

For every fading thing I love –

good things and even treasure

can't compare to Love above

and God's now and eternal pleasures

"Abandon"

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

Matthew 16:25

"Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Joel 2:13