The Path Of Privation

“It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus). Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 3:12-14)

Hope Beckons

The passive soul, emptied and stilled,
Receives the fullness of God’s grace
With living hope and love it’s filled –
The bride and Bridegroom interlace.

Her memories of love ignite
And fire love’s longings once more;
Her soul recalls His love’s delight,
And hope rings vibrant through her core.

This hope invites her Lord to dwell,
And fill the void found in her soul:
Indwelling of Emmanuel –
God and the soul dwell as one whole!

For hope, her faculties make room;
The bride’s soul longs for her Bridegroom.

May the Bridegroom be drawn nearer to us by our hope that yearns for Him.

(c) Paul Buis, 2003