TO GOD-MY LOVE, MY HOPE, MY JOY

This poem I wrote in 2005, after suffering through years of loss, illness and pain, only to see God was my sustainer, my love, my hope and my joy amid the sorrows of this world.  Prior to this poem, my only other poetic verse had been one when my brother died. Since then I’ve written many. God seemed to always comfort my soul through allowing me to think through my struggles with poetic thoughts in my head.  I pray this poem is a comfort to someone out there who is suffering.

While now focused on school and work, I find that the analytical part of my mind has taken center stage and poetry a back stage.  So, for this moment; until my brain thinks once more in a poetic form, I will share with you some of my older poems.  This is one I dedicated to God, who is my love, my hope and my joy; regardless of the circumstances or trials I may face along this journey of life.

TO GOD-MY LOVE, MY HOPE, MY JOY

by Effie Darlene Barba 

My life-so filled with hopes and dreams

Lay shattered at Your feet

So many tears, so many pains

I laid before Your seat

 

Can I look upon Your face of love

And question what You’ve done?

For You have been my only hope

My only morning sun

 

You’ve seen my heart when crushed with pain

Your hands have held it tight

When I have been so weak, so frail

You’ve shown Your strength, Your might

 

You’ve held me close within Your arms

When darkness filled my night

And when I could not see my way

Your eyes, they gave me sight

 

I lay my life within Your hands

That You may heal my soul

And keep my eyes upon You Lord

That I may reach Your goal

 

Shine forth Your grace, Your mercy Lord

And let me be Your light

That all may see Your eyes of love

The blind, they might have sight

 

Let not the sorrows, nor the pains

Bring bitterness within

And give me strength to walk this path

Protect my heart from sin

 

I lay my heart, my soul, my dreams

Before Your throne of love

I lift my eyes to You, My God

And seek Your will above

 

You are the only one I need

To fill my heart with glee

It is Your face, my one true love

Tis all I need to see

 

So lift me up and hold me close

Reveal Your love divine

That through the holes within my heart

A world might see You shine

 

And if the sorrows of my past

Can touch a wayward one

I thank you Lord for each dark path

That lead them to Your son

 

I praise You now from mountains high

For each dark path I’ve trod

Twas there I found Your heart, Your love

Twas there I found You God

 

What great and wondrous joy I know

Because You are my king

And though the path I cannot see

My heart will trust and sing

 

A song of praise unto You Lord

Who knows what’s best for me

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on

In darkness, I can see

 

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand

Is all I’ll ever need

So hold me close unto Your path

For this is all I plead

 

I’ll skip with joy along this path

Though darkness may surround

Because I know You hold my hand

My feet will ne’er touch ground

 

I cannot fall outside Your love

I cannot lose my way

I’ll hold my broken dreams once more

And see them real, one day

 

A song of praise unto You Lord

Who knows what’s best for me

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on

In darkness, I can see

 

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand

Is all I’ll ever need

So hold me close unto Your path

For this is all I plead

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

How to Combat the Evil Within Our Nation

With heavy hearts, we weep with all those in Parkland, Florida.  Realizing such evil exists forces us to stop and think. Where do we turn and what can we do to combat such evil?  There is only one hope that can reach the depths of broken souls such as Nikolas Cruz before such a tragedy occurs. That is the gospel message of Jesus Christ; yet, we have banned the Bible and even individual prayer from our schools.  We bought into the lies of the secular humanists throughout the twentieth century, even as Christians.  The consequences of our silence led us to now toward a place of hopeless nihilism as a society; where anger roars and life is no longer a thing to cherish.  There is only one to overcome evil and that is the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

As I pray for all those lives lost, those injured and all their families in Florida; I find I must also pray for Nikolas.  Not that he ever be let loose; no, he must pay the full price for his act-even if that means the death sentence.  However, I do pray for his soul; that, he might find Christ.  Below is an excerpt from “When God Commanded Build that Wall plus The Evil Within.”  Could all of this have been prevented if someone had reached out to Nikolas with the gospel of Jesus Christ?  What if a teacher had been allowed to tell him of faith? We will never know; however, we must consider those questions. Continue reading “How to Combat the Evil Within Our Nation”

Do You Really Trust God’s Plan for Your Life?

Many prophets had come to warn God’s people of their impending captivity. Jeremiah was one such prophet.  With weeping and sorrow, he pleaded with the people to turn their hearts to worship God with true hearts of faith.  They went about the rituals of worship; but, their hearts were hard. The rituals of worship continued; however, they combined their worship of God with idolatrous worship, sinful living, and social injustice.  Although they went about the acts of worship; their hearts did worship Him in truth.  Instead of heeding the warning, they ridiculed, beat, and persecuted the prophets sent.  Rather than to trust God, they made allegiances with evil, idolatrous nations, hoping they would protect them.  Ultimately, they fell captive to the Babylonian Empire and Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles reminding them of God’s Plan for their good.  His Gracious Hand was reaching out still in their captivity.

 For thus saith the Lord, “That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:10-13).

So, the question I ask you is this: Do you really trust God’s Plans for your life? Are you calling to Him out of whatever place you find yourself?  Are you seeking Him, trusting Him with all your heart?

 GOD’S PLAN FOR GOOD

Hebrews 6:11 tells us “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Do you believe that?  God is a Sovereign, Almighty, Righteous, and Just God of Mercy, Grace and love. Are you eyes focused on Him and seeking Him as your greatest treasure?  When trials, heartbreaks, and pain enter your life; do you still believe He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?  Are your eyes and heart focused on the greater treasure or do you merely seek the treasures of this earth?  If you see Him as the greatest treasure, what are you willing to sacrifice to know Him?

Everyone warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Surely, he would be imprisoned if he went or die.  Yet, God sent Paul to Jerusalem and he went; whatever, the cost he would follow God’s command.  He stood before the courts of Governors and Kings, where he proclaimed the truth of the gospel; never considering the personal cost.  When he appealed to Rome; where, he was sent and imprisoned, he most likely knew the peril; but, he did so at God’s command. From the darkest dungeons and the years of beatings, imprisonment; Paul wrote the letters of encouragement, hope and truth that makes up the largest portion of the New Testament.  Why?

 PAUL TRUSTED GOD’S PLAN

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:8-10)

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Joy can be ours, not just in the future; but, abiding, steadfast joy lifting our hearts, strengthening our hands: here and now amid the trials and suffering of this world.  Because, we know Him.  That is the fruit of the spirit in us. And that is what Paul knew; regardless, of where the journey of life led him.

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

God’s plan is to reveal Himself to us, to fill us with His Joy, and to clothe us in His righteousness.  His plans are good; even when we do not understand.  But that is what faith is: “believing that God IS (the great I AM) and that all He does is for my good”

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits and Footnotes

Photo by Jens Lelie on Unsplash

What is it Worth to Know God?

What value or worth do you place on knowing God?  What are you willing to sacrifice to be able to know God? Or to testify of Him? Is getting out of bed 30 minutes early too much? What if to spread His word you would have to give up a prestigious position or drive the same old car? Is that too much?  Or what if, to really know God; you struggle with chronic illness or pain?  In some parts of the world, to know God and to testify of Him could mean you are imprisoned, you and your family tortured, or you could be forced to watch as your family are slain before your eyes.  But if you really know God, can you keep silent?   Holding the most precious treasure in your hands, how can you not want to share?

Here in the United States, we take it all for granted.  We want the blessings, the counterfeit joys, prosperity and comfort; yet, we are not willing to even give God 10 minutes of our time, unless of course there is something we want from Him.  But, what about just sitting at His feet; to know Him?  Down through history, God’s prophets, preachers, and even His own son willingly suffered and died that we might know Him and the power of His might, that we might know His love, His joy, and His hope in a chaotic world hell bent on denying Him.  So, what is it worth to you to know God?  Is it worth getting up early or turning off the TV?  Is it worth suffering, to know God as your greatest treasure?  He may not ask you to give it all up; but, what if He does?

TO KNOW GOD

Continue reading “What is it Worth to Know God?”

Along the Road of Life, When Sorrow Brings Despair

Sometimes along this road of life, sorrow brings despair.  We feel alone lost in a sea of darkness.  Before us lie mountains, frightening, looming as though impossible to cross.  Paralyzed with pain and grief, we feel we cannot take another step.  Yet, into that darkness shines a tiny ray of light.  Someone reaches out to say a kind word or to sit with us quietly in our darkness.  We may hear a song, the tears streaming down our face as we remember a loved one we lost.  Into the abyss of our pain, God reaches forth His Hand ever so gently; yet, in anger, fear, and pain we clutch our fist.  He whispers His love and bids us to take just one step toward joy. We wonder how? Gently, ever so gently, He wraps His hand of love around our clutched fist and we choose to take one tiny step.

One tiny step that seems so impossible; then, another.  Little stumbling ones at first.  Our clutched fist loosens and takes His hand as the road causes our foot to slip.  Through the mist of our tears, we see little glimpses of kindnesses.  The flicker of stars in the darkest night.  Then, as the sun begins to rise; we look back to find, we reached the top of the mountain we so feared and joy is ours.  It is OK to smile again. When my husband died, I thought somehow my getting on with life or knowing joy would diminish his memory.  Instead, it heightens it.  His memory is like a cool breeze blowing across my face on a hot summer day.

Along the Road of Life

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

As I walked along this road of life

Amidst the rambling thorns of strife

I felt the pains-like sharpened knife

Tear open scars of yonder day

I gazed before me – looming there

Mountains filled with evil lair

I wanted then to cry a prayer

Yet, sorrow’s silence stole my way

 

I felt so desperately alone

Until a light before me shone

A King who sat upon a throne

A path to whom before me lay

 

And then I heard a still small voice

That called to me to sing, rejoice

I pondered then to make the choice

To choose Joy’s song as mine today

 

I felt within a warmth, a glow

It felt as if my heart did grow

As joy and love within did flow

My pains and sorrows swept away

 

I took a step, just one at first

Desiring more His hope I thirst

To drink His love until I burst

With laughter’s wondrous ray

 

My heart rejoicing rose to sing

As lifted up on eagle’s wing

My weakness bids- His strength to bring

My fears and doubts He came to slay

Amazing then before my eyes

The mountains that had hid the skies

No longer did before me rise

Instead beneath my feet did lay

Our Cry When Sorrow Brings Despair

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.  the troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.  Look upon mine affliction and my pain. Psalm 25:16-18

God’s Reply

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful …. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee  Zephaniah 3:17-19

He will gather you in His arms and sing His lullaby of love and joy over you. One tiny feeble step at a time and you will see.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

I have been there.  Whomever you are, whatever your pain; I wish I could take your hand and help you to see God’s love.  He desires to bring you into His bosom and to help you as you walk along this road of life.  When sorrow brings despair, He is there in the midst with outstretched hand wanting to help you every step of the way. Will you take one step.

Concluding Tweets

[tweetthis]Amidst the rambling thorns of strife I felt the pains-like sharpened knife[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”I gazed before me – looming there Mountains filled with evil lair I wanted then to cry a prayer Yet, sorrow’s silence stole my way” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”I felt so desperately alone Until a light before me shone A King who sat upon a throne A path to whom before me lay” username=”effiedarlene”]

 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits and Footnotes

Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash