Tunnel Vision

The train came to a standstill
We sat waiting, waiting
The windows were dark, very dark
We expected an announcement.
None came.
“How far are we in?”
“About half way.”
I looked at my watch
At least the lights were on.
My heart beat faster
My mouth was dry
Thoughts of last week’s fire
Bombarded my mind.
“Why aren’t we moving?”
“What’s wrong?”
I looked around
‘Escape Door’ I read
I was not reassured
Over my head was water
Tons and tons of water
“How deep down are we?”

A jolt!
Perhaps we’re off.
“Ladies and gentlemen
We apologise for the delay
We have a technical problem.”
A problem! How bad is it?
Oh, why didn’t we go by ferry.
I can swim but not well enough
To reach England, I think.
Drowning must be a horrible death
Will all my life flash before my eyes?
As I am wondering
Another jolt!
We are moving!
Slowly
Very slowly!
I cry with relief
As we eventually emerge
Into a dull, rainy day
For me a vision of glorious light!

Ruth Jessup

What If?

If “what if?”
Guides my life
I live in fear
Expecting punishment.

In love
There is no fear.

So
No “what ifs?”
For fear
Is driven out
By perfect love
God’s love.

1 John 4:8

Ruth Jessup

Arms of Love

I’m walking with my small grandson
The days is warm
All is calm
Birds are singing
We stop to listen
We look at trees
Smell flowers
Touch moss
Hand in hand
A gentle, beautiful time.

Suddenly
An engine revs up
Little one is startled
Cries. Trembles
Lifts his hands
To me
In fear.

Immediately
I reach down
Pick him up
Hug him close
Calm his fears
Assure him
He’s safe
Protected in my arms
Secure
Loved.

Sometimes
Walking life’s path
Suddenly
I’m made fearful
Feel insecure
Exposed
Unloved.

In times like these
I must lift my hands
Reach up to God
He is there
Will pick me up
Put his arms around me
Reassures me
“Do not fear
I’m here.
Always
In my arms I’ll hold you
Let my love surround you
You’re my child
Trust me
I’m your Father.

Deuteronomy 33:27

Ruth Jessup

Encouragement from Isaiah 41

Don’t be afraid
For I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged
For I am your God.
I will strength you
I will help you.
With my victorious right hand
I will hold you up.

I hold you
By your right hand.
I, the Lord God,
I say to you
“Don’t be afraid
I am here to help you.
I am the Lord
Your Redeemer.

I will open up rivers
On the high plateaus.
I will give fountains of water
In the valleys.
I will fill the desert
With pools of water
I will plant trees
In the barren desert.”
A miracle!

Ruth Jessup

No Fear

When you’re afraid of the future
Where everything is unknown
Talk to God, He will help you
Will guide you and see you through
If you put your trust in Christ Jesus, the Way*
When you eventually come to the end of each day
You will realise you were not frightened at all
You were helped and supported
He answered your call.

Ruth Jessup

A Locked Door

Are you hiding?
Locked in by fear and grief
Desperately trying to understand
Seeking some relief
Battling with feelings
Of utter devastation
Nothing’s making sense
Your heart is broken.

Jesus comes through tight-locked doors
Offers His peace and much, much more
He has suffered so understands your pain
He offers comfort until you regain
Your joy in life, new hope for each day
To continue on the heavenward way.

John 20:19&20

Kevin Jessup

Full Assurance

I can walk safely through the darkest night
Because you Lord Jesus are my light.

I have no fear in the fiercest gale
For you Lord are peace when winds assail.

When I am weak and feeling down-hearted
You have promised that we will never be parted.

And when I finally pass through the valley of death
I shall sing because you Lord are my Strength.

Ruth Jessup

So Blessed

Doubt. Weariness. Fear. Despair
Anxious. Worried. Bowed down with care.
Jesus speaks to me in my sorrow
“I’m the same yesterday, today and tomorrow
So your times are in my hands forever
And I promise I’ll desert you never.
Lay your burdens down. I’ll give you rest
With my grace, love and power you will be
So blessed!

Hebrews 13:5&8
Matthew 11:28-30
Psalms 31:15

Ruth Jessup

A Solid Foundation

All around us walls are crumbling
Cracks appearing; deepening; widening
In the upper levels of life.

Political unrest and moral decay
Instability, uncertainty increasing day by day
Worry, fear, confusion in currencies
Are pressing in; never far away.

What is causing all this unrest?
Where or who to turn to for the best?

First I need to check on what I am building
For those cracks were not there at the birth of creation.

Constructing on a faulty foundation
The house stands firm while everything’s okay
But which when storms and strong winds come along
The building starts to wobble and sway
Then eventually collapses; crashes down to the ground
So I’m left with devastation all around.

What then is the answer?
What on earth shall I do?

The answer lies with the one who is on the throne
The heavenly throne. He Himself the Living Stone
Jesus Christ, God’s only Son,
Chosen long before all of creation
He, in this world, is the only one,
The absolutely certain and sure foundation.

Ruth Jessup

Wits End Solution

Father God can see your potential
All He created you to be
Open up your heart to Him
He ‘ll set your gloriously free.

Are you very fearful?
Concerned about how you feel
Jesus can give you perfect peace
Just let Him have the wheel.

The Holy Spirit will lead you
Ever upwards to pastures new
Where you can breathe fresh air
And be revitalised by the view.

Ruth Jessup