A Needed Reminder

Nothing In The House

"Thy servant, Lord, hath nothing in the house,

Not even one small pot of common oil; 

For he who never cometh but to spoil

Hath raided my poor house again, again,

That ruthless strong man armed, who men call Pain.

I thought that I had courage in the house,

And patience to be quiet and endure,

And sometimes happy songs; now I am sure

Thy servant truly hath not anything,

And see, my song-bird hath a broken wing.

***

My servant, I have come into the house - 

I who know Pain's extremity so well

That there can never be the need to tell

His power to make the flesh and spirit quail:

Have I not felt the scourge, the thorn, the nail?

And I, his Conquerer, am in the house,

Let not your heart be troubled: do not fear:

Why shouldest thou, child of Mine, if I am here?

My touch will heal thy song-bird's broken wing,

And he shall have a braver song to sing."

- Amy Carmichael 

(based on 1 Kings 17:7-16)