Broken and Contrite

I have been a fool
All the days of my life.

Every memory, every song,
Every memento I’ve picked up
All along the wayward paths
I thought were straight

Just deepen the ache.

There’s nothing behind
But ash and smoke,
And there’s nothing ahead but fog.
I don’t fit in where I am;
I have no people.
Even the ones I birthed
See me as a foreigner.

I know my sin has been grievous.
I have no requests,
No petitions, no pleas;

I know You.

I cannot receive worse than justice.
I will not receive less than grace.
On Your decision, I wait.

If it’s from Your hand,
It’s good and right
And I understand that it should be.

I live by faith, not by sight.
You install or depose me

According to Your own good will.

Live or die, suffer or thrive,
I am always Your bondservant.
I cling. I yield.