by Mark Weinrich

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:19

Whatever captures
my thought-life 
multiplies in kind:
fear grows into worries,
anger to grievance,
unforgiveness to bitterness,
dismay to hopelessness,
self-pity into blame.

How my creative thoughts 
are wasted in the weeds
of perceived offenses, 
when the Lord wants 
to renew my mind. 

I am so grateful that Christ
expands my vision above
the petty and prickly nature 
of my past. He magnifies 
the beauty and fruit-filled
flow of His Spirit
through abounding goodness
and the transforming power
of unconditional love. 

And as I delight 
in His character
He gives me agility 
of mind and will 
filled with mercy.

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Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 130 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.