when the alarm didn’t go off and the day started late
when the surgeon called and the news wasn’t great
when the date didn’t show and the heart needed mending
when the mask slipped a little and there’s no more pretending
when the teacher’s notes were discouraging at best
when there is no rest even when there is rest
when the shower and savings start leaking together
when there are more doctor’s appointments than I can remember
when the sermon landed on that sore part of my heart
when the friend disappeared when I needed her most
when the family dysfunction reared its ugly head
when the song in the car met me right where I bled
when the Bible seemed dry
when it dripped with relief
when it didn’t make sense
when it soothed all this grief
when the baby won’t sleep
when the cancer is back
when the idols come clear in the things that we lack
when loneliness wins
when injustice won’t end
when heaven seems far
when grief is my friend
when the sun keeps on rising in spite of the pain
when the Spirit reminds me He’s with me always
when the marriage is weak
when the ends just won’t meet
when the world is too loud to hear what You think
when every imaginable thing comes to life
I’ll stand firm and remember my Savior who died
and I’ll know—
this is all just a breath
eternity’s coming
and death’s end is death
real life is coming
the Spirit is sure
so when hopes are deferred
when circumstances turn
I’ll know You are with me for that’s who You are—
with
me
Glenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and lives in rural Southeast Missouri where she tries and fails to keep up with her two energetic sons. She is the author of The Promise is His Presence (P&R) and Everyday Faithfulness (Crossway), and Memorizing Scripture (Moody). Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.