"The Prison"

This is a poem God blessed me with very early in the morning on May 8th, 2009. It concerns our vices and personal demons, and our tendency as Christians to, often willingly, succumb to the Devil's schemes and deceptions. Yet it ends redemptively, demonstrating God's total omnipotence and authority over evil, while simultaneously showcasing his loving willingness to come to our rescue. It is born out of my own personal struggle, yet I believe it's still universally applicable, and so I include it

here. I hope it comforts you in the trials you endure.

Sincerely,

Shane Latham

"The Prison"

By Shane Latham

It's early morning, I'm still tossing and turning

I've re-entered my mental prison, against my will I'm returning

I see the chains on the walls and the blood on the floor

Everything left just as it was before

I pick up the chains, snap them on with a click

Though part of Me's healthy, part of Me's sick

I bare my back for the whip, prepared for the torture

Though it feels just, it's wrong I'm sure

The accuser of my soul stands momentarily victorious

His demons screech triumphantly, "He actually believed us!"

My enemy draws back the whip, his glare full of hate

I hang my head, resigned to my fate

The lash whistles through the air

I fear the scar I'll bear

I scream to God, "Take this pain from me!"

The faithful prayers of his saints rise around me

With a thunderous cry, with an earsplitting boom

The glorious Lord enters the room

With a single blow He crushes Satan in his glee

As my chains fall to the floor I realize I'm free

With Satan conquered I see his deception

How I let him infiltrate my mind and form the perception

That I needed the counterfeit joys and the lies that he gave

Instead of taking that thought captive, I became its slave

But now I see the Deceiver with new eyes

With God next to me, I have no need for his lies

I fall down before Jesus, and with eyes full of tears

I confess past sins, longings, and fears

With an outstretched arm He lifts me from the dirt where I lay

As I look into His compassionate gaze He wipes my tears away

Afraid of straying again, I cry "O Lord, what must I do?"

He replies, "Remember I am with you always.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you."