The Journey

On this ship I see,
only one place to escape for me.
As the crashing waves beat against the sides,
I feel the treacherous sea is the only place to hide.

For what joy do I have if I stay?
This ship, somehow, keeps me at bay.
The looming darkness and the uncertainty,
leaves me with a question, "What shall my end be?"

Shadows dance around me, tempting me to stay;
they give logic and reason, but I tell them to get away!
"Oh, but that," and, "Oh, but this;"
have your reason demons and keep your bliss.

I dare not wait a second more,
so taking the leap I jump from aboard.
Down I go into the dark abyss,
leaving behind the ship I will never miss.

Free! Free at last!
However, another problem arrives just as fast.
Gigantic waves crash about,
and I find, in horror, that I cannot get out!

Tossing and turning, rising and falling,
I feel now my freedom rather appalling.
How could I have made such a mistake?
Those accusing shadows will not give me a break.

But lo! Rising on the waves my eyes do see,
something in the distance which renews my strength to be free.
A Beacon shining through the darkness, a Guide to the lost,
I know I must find a way to that place, regardless the cost!

With the waves and the wind rebelling against me,
I find myself drifting farther from saftey and further out to sea!
As the beautiful Light drifts away,
I let out a shout, crying, "O blessed Light, please stay!"

A whisper pierces my heart, slicing through the wind and the waves,
soothingly saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
So, fight I did against my foes,
but the wind and the waves dealt too many mighty blows.

With my limbs failing me and doubts creeping in,
I thought of that Light and began fighting again.
With my last breath I shouted a prayer,
"O glorious Light, please deliver me from this demon's lair!"

With my limbs useless I sink helplessly into the deep,
thinking that finally, after all this fighting, I will be able to sleep.
As I close my eyes and release the last of my breath,
I begin to feel warm hands encompass me, saving me from death.

Moments later, maybe even an eternity, I woke as if from dream,
and found myself lying beside a peaceful stream.
Another was with me, His presence I could feel,
and looking at my surroundings I realized all that passed was real.

"It is I, be not afraid," He said.
But at the sound of the voice I could only fall to my face as if I were dead.
Taking my hands He lifted me up,
and stated rather calmly, "Let us go, that we may sup."

Lifting my eyes I beheld with awe,
it was that Light; that Light which I know has saved me from the law.
Reading my heart He lovingly promised me,
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

With these words came an overwhelming peace that filled my heart;
a peace so wonderful I prayed it would never depart.
This Light I vow to always follow,
for without this Savior my life is hollow.

And to those on that miserable ship I leave a final word,
my Lord will not tarry when He comes with the sword.
That day and that hour I shall not guess,
I only leave this advice, flee from the ship and nothing less.

For only believing in His name can save you from the wrath to come,
and think not that He desires only to save some.
My Lord is merciful and His sacrifice is for all,
so to our knees we all must humbly fall.

Let us then flee from every vain thing,
and run the race that shall make us to sing.
For in triumph shall we march through the streets of Zion,
where we shall come to kneel before the throne that sits the Lion.

Let us then continually give the sacrifice of praise,
for in the end we shall all be raised!
And Who is this that we shall meet in the air?
The One in whose sufferings we all do share.

What shall we say to this wisdom?
Shall it be, "Am I worthy enough to inherit this kingdom?"
But it is not a matter of worth, I guess,
for You are worthy, Lord. Thank-you, Jesus, our righteousness.