The Joy Of Hope Poem by Axel Durman

I cry out to you in the morning hours
My soul is in deep strain because the temptations clamour for my soul
My love for you is unbending as a javelin in mid air
Thrown towards the mark that it shall not miss
How sweet are the words from your book
They fall like dew on a parch and barren place

Lord you watch over me in the night hours
My sleep is sweet because of your care
I cannot wander away in frivolous ventures
My heart must rest on you all the day long
As my mind gazes upon the beauty of your law
The desires of my heart are changed to things eternal

Heavenly king there is none like you in the earth or heaven
From you issue the source of life everlasting
Your words are a fountain of truth
Filled with living waters
My mouth is sweetened by the chewing thereof
My belly bitter for the struggle of my soul

Save me Lord Jesus from the rushing of the enemy
He seeks my soul to lay waste the blessings that you have granted your servant
Shield me under the canopy of your wings
Give me a new mind that no foe can penetrate
Let your law be my delight day and night
Urge me never to turn away from your goodness
To seek those things that keep me out of the Gates of Glory.

Teach me to love peace and quietness and avoid war
Let my contention be in defence of your good law