The Valley of Despair

I ventured out into the world,
Off the mountain of the saints;
I went down to the valley,
Giving up good to acquaint.

I gave up wisdom and spiritual light,
I shed my coat of prayer,
I laughed and ran through the valley,
The valley of despair.

The wind was nipping at my ears;
I warmed myself in doubt,
I prayed to know the will of God,
But my will became a shout.

I wrote the song "The Valley Blues,"
I loved the music I could choose,
And God, it seemed, was far away
So I could be at ease to play.

But knowing God, and needing Him,
And living in the land of sin
Became too much for me to bear;
I remembered His love and care.

I looked back to the mountain
And yearned His fellowship,
I yearned the peace of mind He gives
So I planned a return trip.

I headed for the mountain,
In the distance I could see,
I tripped and fell upon my face,
My own feet defeating me.

But God is good, He picked me up,
And held me in His arms,
He said, "I never left you
Alone in the worldly harms."

I asked if He would guide me back,
His smile warmed my soul
He turned me to the path I sought
And I looked to the mountain, my goal.

Sometimes I visit the valley,
But you'll notice the coat I wear,
I have a friend I pray for
In the valley of despair.

Poem and Illustration, ©  by: Barbara Ahola

Music: For Every Mountain,©Samuel Tolbert

Page and graphics designed © by Susiea1114