by Linda Troxell

How do I properly praise you, my Lord?
Should I speak of your glory and power?
Brag that you who created the mighty ocean,
Also, created the delicate flowers?
I could marvel at your timelessness
As the author of eternity,
But none of that speaks to my gratitude
For all that you’ve done for me.
 
How can I explain to everyone 
Just how broken I was at the start?
Or demonstrate to anyone
The miracles you’ve done in my heart?
When I look back, to understand my path,
I see a loveless life in a moratorium.
Then your love gave me the courage
To explore what I had always run from.
 
Day by day, and grace by grace
You made it safe to open up my mind.
But for the safety of your grace, Lord
I would have run from my fear and pride.
I am so grateful for your patience
As I learn how to give you my fears.
For, fear is a most stubborn opponent
One I've fought alone for many years
 
We’ve also wrestled with my pride for years.
And that was just for me to learn what it is.
How many times have you heard me say,
“Oh, Lord, surely you don’t mean this?”
You have insisted that I give up all pride.
But with grace for my cries and grumbles.
Not once have I felt ashamed or forsaken
As you’ve taught me what it means to be humble.
 It will always be a privilege to bow to you,
To honor your power and sovereignty.
And I'll always have awe for your creations, Lord,
For each one reflects your majesty.
I feel wonder at this world you’ve created,
And gratitude for your Son, who set me free,
But, Lord, nothing can compare to my gratitude 
For the miracles you’ve performed in me.

Linda Troxell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who lives in a small town in Southern California where she writes devotionals and poetry to post on her personal blog. For over twenty years, she worked to help men and women struggling with substance abuse and adolescent boys in group homes struggling with family difficulties. She is now retired and spends most of her time doing what she loves best, writing about the Lord, and spending time with her grandchildren.