REPRISAL

REPRISAL

My soul hides behind the effort of disgrace.
My heart turns inward from God's loving face.
I cannot find the courage to seek His grace,
Nor yet the latitude to slack the pace.

The emptiness glares back at every turn.
The thought rises but to sear and burn.
There is no hope that I can learn
The joy without the lesson stern.

Jesus took the guilt and shame
Of all my life and shielded me from blame.
The threat of retribution by hellish flame
Is extinguished in the glory of His name.