Oh, 2017! you've been full of contrary trends

I've climbed up hills only to slide back down again

sometimes I've held on to God and sailed smooth and fast

other times I've lagged, full of doubt crass

But I'm grateful for a Guide that kept my road lit

and when my mind was over-taxed...He stabled it

His voice steadied me when my knees weakened

in dry times His Words fell on me like dew leak'en

I'd love to paint this canvass with perfect scenic scene pictures

but that would dim the Beauty of God's sutures

for only His miraculous threads and stitches...

are what constantly renewed and repaired my glitches

Trouble  walked in...rigid, hard, and often

but His comforting assurance flowed to soften

and as the coarse deluge...was washed away

new beams of His Mercy...streamed...day by day

Ah, yes...I've danced in the presence of His Glory

but I've also...moaned...within this year's story

albeit, as 2017 bids adieu, I embrace 2018

for I'm on a path steeped with His Love's Eternal Gleam

I don't expect the quietness of a care-free year

in fact, I wouldn't know how to exist in such an atmosphere...

as I've been molded to depend entirely on His Hand

thus, without the melee...I just might become careless, in my stand

So, into this brand New Year...we will go

encouraged and strengthened by Him...I'll follow

Jesus, I promise...to try not to veer, but go through...

remembering...my 2018 is already conquered, not by me...but You!

 Ps 46:1-5, Lam 3:22-23, Jer 31:3, Isa 41;10,Ps 119;105

 COPYRIGHT; JMSBELL-12/28/2017