A Poet's Path

Spiritual Amnesia

On those mornings when I wake up and remember you’re with me

I’m thankful for a beating heart, a new day, thoughts of a cup of tea.

There, snuggled under blankets, you’re the first thing on my mind

I’m astonished by your presence; comforted and refined.

I lie awake and listen to birds chirp and chatter just outside

Give thanks for your tender mercies; in supplication close my eyes.

It feels as if I’m on a cloud with harp and angel wings

All wrapped in wonder of your love and the joy it brings.

I’m alive, and that’s a blessing; in truth I am amazed

As I lie beneath the covers and worship you with heartfelt praise.

On other mornings though, I have a different tale to tell

The mornings when I wake up and I’m distracted and unwell.

Spiritual amnesia seems to want to suffocate my soul

I struggle under heavy blankets with night terrors slow to go.

You’re not my first thought as I waken; there’s a clamor and a din

And instead of resting comfortably, I find I’m sinking into sin.

Somehow a separation, in my sleep, has interfered

Making me forget the peace of you, the one I hold so dear.

I wrestle with the bedding and unseen principalities

As sleep-induced amnesia tries to get the best of me.

With resolve I toss back covers; rouse myself and flee the bed

Grab myself a cup of tea and shake the cobwebs from my head.

I sit down, a morning routine, and take the Bible in my hand

Read again the sacred stories you have worked into your plan.

‘I will never leave you nor forsake you,’ you remind me in your word

‘Nothing can separate us,’ is the blessing you confer.

The spiritual amnesia that had ambushed and hijacked me

Skitters from your presence, Lord, as you set me free.

You restore and redeem me; your love renews and makes me whole

My soul rejoices as you meet me there within your holy scrolls.

Joshua 1:5 NIV

Romans 8:38 KJV