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Was ever there a heart like mine

I wrote this in 1998 but the sentiments are still relevant now. Yes, it's been a looooooooooonnng struggle. I hope the optimistic note at the end will prove to be "prophetic"...

 

Was ever there a heart like mine
Pledged wholly to all things Divine
But treacherous! — and longing yet
For pleasures it will not forget;
Singing praise to God Almighty
Still it whispers: "I adore Thee
More than anything here on earth;
But, Father — these also I love."

At once the battle is revealed:
My heart is torn, but will not yield;
In the struggle to be holy
Transient pleasures beckon boldly!
Besieged with longing to betray
My heart pleads: "Just this once, I pray;
Lord, Your decrees I will follow
Let me start again tomorrow."

Taking advantage of God's grace
My evil heart stoops to embrace
Sin with glee; when it should have known
That place belongs to God alone.
Bathed in the light of a new dawn
My lonely heart is left forlorn
To learn its lesson yet anew:
Love God only — its pledge renew.