Freedom For the Captives

Grief, betrayal, hidden pain… behind the smile, the scars remain.
Fragile hearts, when broken, bleed  -  through the cracks, the trust recedes.
I build a wall, to keep me safe,   that painful memories wouldn’t chafe.
There’s fear and shame behind the wall.  Condemnation – Satan’s call.
This wall I worked so hard to build,   I had a helper, very skilled.
The enemy knows every trick,   he handed me, each heavy brick;
Then beckoned me with baited hook,   behind the wall, to take a look.
“More pain will come, this won’t be all,  we’re going to need another wall.”
Plan ahead, sounds good to me  -  a bigger wall, then I’ll be free.
Fear and guilt won’t stand a chance.   I’ll take up anger as my lance.
Protected by my vast construction,   that no one see, my self destruction.
Captive in a living hell  -  my master plan, I built the cell.
There’s no escape, can’t find the key,   it’s much too dark in here to see.
Ask for help? I’d rather die  -  this must be Satan’s favorite lie.
Anger wells, and tears begin,   too proud to leave the chains I’m in.
Where in the world could freedom be?   “It isn’t there, child, look to Me.”
On my knees, I make the choice  -   to lift my eyes, to seek the voice.
I can’t climb out, can’t even stand.   “Trust Me, child, and take My hand.”
But Lord, the pain will follow me.   “It must, if we shall set you free.”
“Never meant for your disgrace,   we’ll put it in its proper place.”
“My child, I thought you understood,   that I can work all things for good.”
How to lay this burden bare?   It’s who I am, the shame I wear.
“My child, reborn, to dress anew.   A crown of beauty, just for you.”
Humbled by the grace received  -  no longer, by the lies, deceived.
The Father comforts those who mourn… beauty from the ashes, born.
My will, surrendered. Yours to lead,  the walls torn down, the captive, freed.
Faith in One, who knows the pain,   He bore our sin, and rose again.
To trust in Him, so I may live,   a heart that’s willing to forgive.
Ears to hear the Word that’s true… trials will come, He’ll bring you through.
Pain has been and pain will be,   choose to walk in victory.
Oil of gladness for the tears,   power and strength to face the fears.
Use the pain that you’d recall     to find the ones behind their wall.
Be the light, that they might see… tell them where to find the key.
Tell them of a heart restored.     Freedom found, be our reward,
Display the splendor of the Lord.

received by Cheryl Winchester

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives,
and release from darkness for the prisoners,   2 to proclaim the year of our Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,   3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow upon them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor. NIV.