Count It All Joy

To "count it all joy" in some circumstances is difficult to say the least
To be content no matter your state, whether it's famine or it's feast
To pray for endurance instead of deliverance is not an easy prayer
A rescue team would fit the bill...so we send up another flare

It's natural to want a comfort zone that never shrinks in size
Where everything is warm and fuzzy...with cloudless, sunny skies
If given the choice, who would choose to walk into a trial?
To get all cozy...pull up a chair....and decide to stay a little while

There's no such place as "Club Adversity" with a "members only" sign
For the rain can fall on anybody at any given time
To rejoice and keep on praising, even when we're soaking wet
Is something we should focus on...but so often we forget

Speaking the problem constantly is like quicksand to your soul
So consumed you cannot see that God's still in control
It's like your mind is on a stage, rehearsing for a play
Memorizing all the speeches that you would like to say

Continuing in this negative state will only bring despair
Griping and grumbling incessantly how life just isn't fair
No, it's not. That's a fact and why we need to learn
That God is faithful, fair and just...through all life's twists and turns

Our own understanding is often flawed, when we lean on it, we will find
That too many times our wrong perceptions have placed us in a bind
God has provided a timeless treasure to guide us through each day
His holy word has truth and freedom to help us find our way

When the weight of the world is pressing in, press back with praise and
prayer
The Light of the World will shine so bright...you won't need that flare!
Don't count the problems, count the steps that God has walked with you
He'll give you joy and that's your strength...to see this journey through

Merissa Lee Kelley
April 25, 2008

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
(NIV)

Always Remember, Jesus is in Your Boat

Imagine your life as a boat on the water...you're sailing along just fine
Rhythmic waves...a gentle breeze...and the sun does nothing but shine
Clear blue skies that go on forever...no agendas or schedules to meet
Yep, you're a winner...no doubt about it...but wait! Hold on to your seat!

Out of nowhere, the wind picks up and the waves begin to churn
You grip the sides and hang on tight, till your muscles start to burn
Rain is pelting...lightening strikes...and the sky has changed it's hue
It seems as if the storm's alive and intent on drowning you

Everything you thought would hold you...is coming up quite short
And you don't have the strength it takes to make it back to port
Ankle deep in chilly water...you struggle to stay afloat
But you were never going to sink...for Jesus is in the boat

How quick we forget, that he's nearby and aware of the storms we face
He isn't standing on the shore...he's on board to give you grace
When you're frantic...he is calm...when you're fearful...he brings peace
And at his voice, the wind and waves can do nothing else but cease

Even the disciples started to panic as the storm intensified
"Teacher, please save us...we're going perish!" is what they fearfully
cried
Jesus was sleeping, but they were so scared, they simply forgot to take
note
That the very one who could master the sea...was right there in the boat!

Three of the gospels tell this story and each one makes it clear
When you're focused on your "raging storm"...the end result is fear
Jesus Christ will be your anchor...so remember where he stands
He's by your side and in control and will lead you to dry land

Faith in the midst of stormy skies isn't learned in just one day
It matures as you grow stronger and trust him...come what may
So when the enemy starts his junk, so he can sit and gloat
Just remind him that you are sailing...with Jesus in your boat!

Merissa Lee Kelley
September 10, 2006

Inspired by a sermon
by Pastor John Mroz

Mark 4:37-41

Second Chance Road

A traveler reached a fork in the road…weary and worn from life

With regrets imbedded deep within that cut just like a knife

Pausing and looking from left to right, she dropped her heavy load

As she saw a sign that faintly read "Welcome to Second Chance Road."

Gripped by remorse for the many choices that had led to nowhere fast

Shadowed by the mocking voices that kept bringing up her past

Barely able to walk upright from guilt and all its weight

Always haunted by the thought…"for me it's just too late."

"Second Chance Road"…she softly whispered…"I didn't think that it was true…

Cause all I've heard is second chances are not for the likes of you…

You've fallen down and failed too much…you're a loser all around,

So I have given up the effort…since I just get knocked back down"

"By words that hit with deadly aim and fingers that point with scorn

Judging me for what I've done and ignoring my soul that's torn

I've brought so much upon myself…I know this very well

But why must I get beaten down in the very place I fell?"

The traveler paused from her reflecting and gave a heavy sigh

"I guess I'd better move along, cause it's just too late to try."

But as she turned to lift her burden and continue on her way

She heard a voice so clear and strong calling "Child, you need to stay."

Jesus was standing near the sign and reaching out his hand

"I am here to walk with you and give you strength to stand.

A second chance is what you need and that I will supply…

But you have got to trust in me…to have the wings to fly."

"I know your name and all the times you've lost your way, that's true

But you are worth a second chance, and I gave my life for you…

I walked the road to Calvary's tree to break the chains of sin

And paved a road of second chances where you can start again."

And so the weary traveler set her baggage on the ground

So she could travel and not be labeled in the freedom she had found

Jesus met her where she was and exchanged her heavy load

For mercy always lightens us…when we walk the second chance road

Merissa Lee Kelley

September 30, 2014

John 3:16