Raise Me Up

Lord Jesus, what you ask is very difficult. You ask that I leave everything to follow you. You ask that I deny myself, carry my cross, and follow you. My family is to be considered secondary next to your majesty. My way, my needs, and my thoughts are to be abandoned for your glory. You ask that I give up the pursuit of pleasure and embrace the road to Calvary. You ask for the death of my sins and resurrection of Righteousness. You ask that we be holy just as you are holy. You ask the impossible from a filthy scum who desires the lust of the flesh more than God. Oh Lord, I cannot carry my cross. I cannot fight against sin with the same will that gave way to temptation. I cannot be strong when I am weak. How should I deny myself when I love myself? If perfection is what you require, Lord Almighty, then carry me. Fill me with your power and presence. You went willingly to the cross of shame and suffering. Your body was beaten and broken. Your blood was poured out. Never did you shrink back from doing God’s will. You did what I cannot do. So I plead, be my Lord. Be my strength. Be the one who carries me. Be my God and my Creator that I may live a life worthy of you. Raise me up from this pit of darkness into the light of your life that I may live just as you live, and I may sing joyful songs because I am following you.