The Mover (from "The Valley of Vision")

When I am at a loss for words I often turn to "The Valley of Vision." It is a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, and it is completely saturated with the truth of human experience and the Truth of the Gospel.  As I navigate through my thoughts and emotions that are as unsteady as the waves of the ocean, I am finding more and more that I can remain steady as long as I continually abide and draw nearer and nearer to Christ who is never shaken.  I can continue to "sail across this stormy sea" as long as I embrace my "dependence upon Him" and receive the gracious love that "draws me nearer to Thyself."

The Mover - from The Valley of Vision

O SUPREME MOVING CAUSE
May I always be subordinate to thee,
      be dependent upon thee,
      be found in the path where thou dost walk,
         and where thy Spirit moves,
      take heed of estrangement from thee,
         of becoming insensible to thy love.
Thou dost not move men like stones,
   but dost endue them with life,
   not enable them to move without thee,
   but in submission to thee, the first mover.
O Lord, I am astonished at the difference
   between my receivings and my deservings,
   between the state I am now in and my past gracelessness,
   between the heaven I am bound for and the hell I merit.
Who made me to differ, but thee?
   for I was no more ready to receive Christ than were others;
I could not have begun to love thee hadst thou not first loved me,
   or been willing unless thou hadst first made me so.
O that such a crown should fit the head of such a sinner!
   such high advancement be for an unfruitful person!
   such joys for so vile a rebel!
Infinite wisdom cast the design of salvation
   into the mould of purchase and freedom;
Let wrath deserved be written on the door of hell,
But the free gift of grace on the gate of heaven.
I know that my sufferings are the result of my sinning,
   but in heaven both shall cease;
Grant me to attain this haven and be done with sailing,
   and may the gales of thy mercy blow me safely into harbour.
Let thy love draw me nearer to thyself,
      wean me from sin, mortify me to this world,
      and make me ready for my departure hence.
Secure me by thy grace as I sail across this stormy sea.


** I highly recommend adding this book to your personal library (get the book for like $5 at half.com).  As I dwelt in the deep, deep valleys the last few years, this book, the Bible and my journal were with me wherever I went.  It is a powerful companion, especially in the depths.  "Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision... Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley."  (from the introductory prayer)