Our Everyday Struggle

The Sun has risen,
The day begun,
I start out as usual,
Bible read, worship sung.

I dedicate my day to You,
Hoping that today, I can be true,
Pure in heart, speech and deeds,
Without deviating from your decrees.

But as I go through the day,
I experience many things that soon lead me astray,
I try to overlook them and not be perturbed,
Yet afterwards, I am left feeling disturbed.

Troubled by unwanted thoughts and desires,
And the strength I believed I had soon expires.

While fighting these away,
Some gossips soon come my way,
My efforts to be uninvolved are to no avail,
As my big dripping mouth, I soon unveil.

After an entertaining chat, I move onward,
An unruly chap makes his way forward,
Raining down accusations and abuse,
And soon the bolt on my anger comes loose.

Unwilling to ignore, I soon retaliate,
His countenance change, almost immediate.

Happy I stood up for myself; I go on with my day,
And at the end of it, I bow my head to pray,
But I am reminded of how much I failed thee,
And how with my all, I disobeyed your decrees.

In my heart and actions and with my mouth,
I defied your name aloud.

I cry, for I am far from what you desire,
To be a pleasant and obedient child is what I aspire.

Lord, help me because I now realise,
That I can do nothing on my own,
But by your mercy and your grace,
I can come forth as gold.

All that I have is not mine,
Help me always to recognise that they are thine.

I will do your bidding,
I will make you proud,
Your name will I keep praising,
All the year round.

I dedicate my heart, lips and deeds to you,
That every moment of my life I may please you,
Help me to hold on to what is true,
That this everyday struggle is already won by you.

And at the end of life’s road,
May you welcome me proudly into your magnificent abode.

By Lola Agbaje-Williams
© August 2011