Closer through the pain

I used to say,

“These burdens are too heavy.”

But You reminded me

They’re exactly what my soul needed.

Without them,

I would’ve lived on my own,

Drifting in comfort,

Far from Your presence.

But the weight kept me close.

The pain kept me praying.

The struggle kept me still

At Your feet.

So now I see:

Every burden has worth

Because it brings me nearer to You.

And I wouldn’t trade that closeness

For anything.

Give me one joy and a hundred burdens

If it means I walk with You—

Rather than a hundred joys

That pull me away.

If You’re in it,

Then the burden becomes a blessing.