As 2016 moves out I can't begin to describe a year

that’s been filled with so much ‘emotional’ drought

honestly, of myself I could've never persevered

But somehow I survived and witstood the blows

and the only answer to this phenomena

has become crystal clear; God…Loves me so!

There’s just no other reason for this kind of keeping

He looked past my blunders and mistakes

and willed me sane…with His Love ever seeping

Hardly…did I sow...

but abundantly He gave

and it hasn’t ceased, as surely, He Loves me…so!

I leaned, I tell you, I leaned…very hard

trying to hold on to Eternal Arms, and

what times I fell, it was He who raised me…from sod

Redeemer wiped tears, tended each bellow...

comforted and rocked me to quiet, indeed...

Yahweh proved just how much, He Loves me...so!

I was covered and tended…beyond any imagination...

while the world’s enemy relentlessly attacked

why it seemed to me…the evil one never took a vacation!

I was wrung and stung…storms ceased not to grow

and at times I knew not where to turn!

yet, in the midst I was shown, He…Loves me so!

Stripped, I was, of so many things that mattered

my heart was broken and my faith pelted

but my Savior subdued all…the overcasts He scattered

I walked best I could in His Light’s Glow

imperfect, yes, but remembering that the Majestic Lamb...

who's ever in total control, still ... Jehovah Loves me...so!

Only by His strength…I withstood

no one else, He alone, upheld me!

without Him…I'd have been as chaff, I would!

But He, the One who bends not to foes

is a Mighty Fortress...He's healer, sustainer...

He is God!!! and He...Loves me so!

His Word is true , He does not validate sorrow

yet, as His Child, the night did try to persuade me

but shadows vacated eyes stayed on Him who holds …tomorrow

To say I felt no pain would be a lie…lamentations flowed

times were wrenching and l sought Him greatly

still with each call, He assured me…He Loves me so!

Thus, He monitored the year's fierce...tares

and...as I learned to trust Him more

He, my Ever Present Help, came with balm for every sear

Gifts... of Peace and Joy He did bestow

enabling a smile of gratitude, in that...I know...

one day suffering will end, all because…Jesus, Loves me so!

So now approaches 2017, with pride brimming...

so confident and sure to roust

But My Savior seeing all…will again be trimming

Whatever the New Year may hold, angels with arrows and bows...

will be sent to guard my steps…high and low

how can I claim this…? God, He Loves me…so!

Jer 31:3, Job 23:10, Ps 143:8, Is 26:3, Jhn 15:18-19 & 16:33

copyright; jms bell-12/30/2016