inspired by John Hulme’s poem ‘I Stand’
Acquitted, I will stand before the throne,
my soul freed from shackles of the time,
all worldly crutches in the fire thrown -
delivered from iniquity and crime,
I’ll stand.
All tears wiped away, all fears crushed
like snakes under my feet before the throne,
with every trouble, sadness, doubt hushed,
to which this crazy world is daily prone,
I’ll stand.
A seed of trust is planted deep inside,
it swells by pure waters of the Word,
and no force on earth can ever hide
the seed of blood shed by my risen Lord, -
I’ll stand.
It grows and, assuring day by day
of my release, makes impotent the clutches
of finiteness. And no longer clay,
with fallen souls my soul has no matches.
I’ll stand.
This seed of faith, the promise and the pledge
of sanctity, it cannot be destroyed,
and into it no wickedness can wedge,
of damaging me powers devoid.
I’ll stand.
I’ll stand – no accusation wins its case:
from any sin redeemed and purified,
and Jesus is preparing my place,
for by his name my name is justified.
I’ll stand.
The blood of Christ, my shield against the wrath
of holy God protects me and upholds.
It straightens every bent and crooked path
and Heaven’s path in front of me unfolds.
I’ll stand.
I’ll stand – not in my strength or any deed,
not by my own righteousness - it failed,
but only by precious Heaven’s seed
hid in the body of my Lord impaled.
I’ll stand.
I’ll stand, regardless that my life’s mess
is shouting against me and accuses.
I’ll stand: the honoured title of Princess
the King himself into my blood infuses.
I’ll stand.
I’ll stand, assured, an adopted child,
His daughter in the family of saints:
the blood of Son of God had reconciled
me with my Lord and washed away my stains.
I’ll stand.
I’ll stand, renewed, triumphant, and ablaze
where sinners are prohibited to tread.
I’ll stand, rejoicing in the holy place,
in front of Him whom other people dread.
I’ll stand.
I’ll stand, my former life shed, my sins atoned.
I’ll stand, when I will hear trumpets’ call.
I’ll stand in confidence. The grace of God alone
into my Father’s arms will make me fall.
23-26.08.2012