The Other Side

Across the lake lay the darkness of unbelief.
On the lake was the darkness of the storm above, the deep below.
On the shore the tombs put out the darkness of possession.
"Let us go over to the other side," he said.
We followed, even into the darkness.

The wind and the waves obeyed him.
The demons feared and lay before him.
Even unbelief was challenged by him.
"Let us go to the other side," he said.
We followed, and he overcame.


Only doubt would ask if you cared.
Only evil would fear torture from you.
Only unbelief would ask you to leave.
"Let us go over to the other side," he said.
We followed, and were rejected as well.

At the end of the day, the storm was calmed,

The tortured man sat quietly at your feet in his right mind,
The people gained a witness of God's mercy and power.
"Let us go over to the other side," he said.
We followed and found hope.

(Meditation on Mark 4:35-5:20)

Lord, going over with you to the other side brings fear and even resentment in my mind.  What can I say?  I will follow you.  Let me find hope in you.  Amen.

Unburdening the Heart

Kindness comes from a heart unburdened
  and joy from a soul set free.
When can I go and meet with God,
  the One who goes unseen?
  Before the One unseen.

In a secret room with bolted door
  alone with the God I know,
I pray unforced with quiet hands
  that let every burden go.
  Let every burden go.

Just a corner in the courts of God
  is all I really need.
Surrounded by much greater prayers,
  I only plant a seed.
  Just a little seed.

My hands get tied, my mind obsessed
  by sins I know too well.
I need the freedom of holiness
  to pull these weeds of hell.
  Pull out these weeds of hell.

I must let go of my brother's neck -
  of our debts we take our leave.
We gather in our Savior's arms.
  We're safe with him between.
  Only safe with him between.

No duty, no law, no preacher's word
  is safe without this tie.
Unyoked from duty, in freedom free,
  Released from laws that lie.
  Released from laws that lie.

True holiness is freedom's path -
  it's sin that brings the fear.
More people do not make more love.
  if Jesus is not near.
  Jesus must be near.