My heart reeked of battles fought—
Fought on my own.
My mind reeled with shaken thoughts;
My whole soul groaned.
I could not win, my foe would not
Accept defeat.
Shattered now, the peace I sought
Lay at my feet.
With burning pain the tears fell hot,
Full of despair.
I longed to turn from my dark lot
But turn to where?
I knew that God had freely bought
Life for all men,
But I had so long sin besought—
A lawless fen.
Would He take this battered blot
And help me now?
I had let myself be caught
Deep in this slough.
Despite my fears, I knew I ought,
So I cried out.
My taunting foe, so tense and taut,
Now ceased to shout.
Peace washed my soul, not got
By strength of mine.
But by my God—blood-bought—
Through love divine.
