Sunrise In My Soul

I opened my eyes this morning, Lord,
To face a brand-new day,
As a glimmer of light was changing all
The blackness into gray;
Surrender reluctantly
To consciousness' full sway,
Prepared to bear the crushing load
Life seemed to bring each day.

I waited apprehensively
For the painful ache to start,
Caused by the heavy burden
That had laid upon my heart;
For even though I'd prayed, my eyes
At times with tears would start,
Resigned to bear with fortitude
What this day might impart.

But as I knelt this day to pray,
My wonder slowly grew -
Where was the dreadful heaviness
I'd become accustom to?
Then glory filled my thankful soul
And thrilled me through and through,
Remembering with joy, O Lord,
Last night I gave it to You.

For when we give our all to Thee,
A total offering make,
We give our sin, our pride, ourselves,
Our ego for Your sake;
Including our capacity
To suffer hurt and ache;
We have but to relinquish them
For Your dear love to take.

My heart's now filled with Your own love,
While peace and joy o'erflow;
Life's problems still remain, but now
Fresh grace You do bestow.
O keep me from self-pity, Lord,
While I walk here below;
My only burden be for those
Who yet do not You know.

By: Honoria (Nora) A. Groves