GETHSEMANE OF THE SOUL

"Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience

through the things that He suffered. Hebrews 5:8

There was a path my Saviour trod

To do the father's will

In a garden called Gethsemane

Upon a lonely hill

Bereft of human fellowship

The darkness closing in

He faced the awful anguish

Of the burden of my sin.

So I too Lord would follow on

The path on which You tred

There is a battle to be won

Before the Cross ahead

My Self impedes Your perfect plan

So I too have to die

My spirit wrestles with my will

My soul to crucify.

And yet I know as You did Lord,

The goal I would attain

Is captured only by a Cross

Of suffering and pain

Not always of the outward kind

But deep within the heart

Where only You can view the pangs

That search out every part

The spirit's truly willing

But the flesh shrinks from the grave

Shall I not drain completely

The cup my Father gave

And taste the dregs of bitterness

Not of the nail or spear

But lonliness - forsaken 

By those I hold most dear.

The highest path lies hidden

From uncomprehending eyes

'Tis by the hand of Israel

That the King of Israel dies

Shall I refuse this deepest hurt

My loving Saviour knew?

Forgive them holy Father

For they know not what they do.

It matters not the means You choose

Your purpose to fulfill

I know that Resurrection culminates

Your perfect will

The dawn of Your pure holy light

Shall rise within my soul

As day o'ertakes the awful night

Christ reigns - in full control.