I once thought I was happy 'cause

I had good friends and cars.

And sadly, so mistaken, I

would visit clubs and bars.

Though I was locked in sin's distress,

I thought surroundings true.

And nothing said could make me change.

No, nothing else would do.

Sin won its way deceiving me.

Its lies chained me to walls.

I thought my life successful 'til

I heard those whispered calls...

Throughout my life, I heard those words -

but sin allowed no choice.

A question echoed "Who are you?"

I heard in my own voice.

---

Yes, in a rut, I lived my life -

in dungeon, it had seemed.

But nothing changed, no matter how,

how loud that I had screamed.

That cold, dark dungeon seemed to speak -

so then I'd laugh and joke.

But scoffing echoed back at me

each time that I had spoke.

Then through sin's darkness, I had heard

a key that seemed to cry.

The lock had turned in agony

but I had not known why.

From dungeon's depth, a creak I heard.

That heavy-laden door

unlocked to let a crack of light

expose me on that floor.

The shackles, I myself had locked,

weighed heavy on my legs.

But even if, I wanted out -

who'd hear my humble begs?

And then those rusty hinges squeaked -

above the rust rebelling.

"Forgive them Father!" I had heard

against cries, screams and yelling!

I held my hands tight to my ears.

So deafening, the riot!

Then suddenly, a stillness came -

and everything grew quiet.

Then once again, I heard that voice -

yet... no one I could see.

But oh, the freedom I had felt

when chains fell off of me!

I made my way toward ray of light.

So weak, I had to crawl.

As dungeon's door kept opening -

more light of truth I saw.

I then confessed all black and white

and ev'ry shade of gray!

I saw rich colors in His world!

I saw the light of day!

The brightness of His rainbow-ed world

was more than I could bear!

He raised me up onto my feet -

so now I want to share.

I want to share to those I see -

so proud of their new cars -

inviting me to ride with them

to parties and to bars.

There's too much thrill in Jesus' arms

to go back to those chains.

And even through my failures here,

God's love for me remains.

©2015 louis gander

-------

And Can It Be

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Music: Thomas Campbell 

Tune: SAGINA, Meter: 88.88.88 with Repeat

1. And can it be that I should gain 

an interest in the Savior's blood! 

Died he for me? who caused his pain! 

For me? who him to death pursued? 

Amazing love! How can it be 

that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 

Amazing love! How can it be 

that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 

2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! 

Who can explore his strange design? 

In vain the firstborn seraph tries 

to sound the depths of love divine. 

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; 

let angel minds inquire no more. 

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; 

let angel minds inquire no more. 

3. He left his Father's throne above 

(so free, so infinite his grace!), 

emptied himself of all but love, 

and bled for Adam's helpless race. 

'Tis mercy all, immense and free, 

for O my God, it found out me! 

'Tis mercy all, immense and free, 

for O my God, it found out me! 

4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay, 

fast bound in sin and nature's night; 

thine eye diffused a quickening ray; 

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; 

my chains fell off, my heart was free, 

I rose, went forth, and followed thee. 

My chains fell off, my heart was free, 

I rose, went forth, and followed thee. 

5. No condemnation now I dread; 

Jesus, and all in him, is mine; 

alive in him, my living Head, 

and clothed in righteousness divine, 

bold I approach th' eternal throne, 

and claim the crown, through Christ my own. 

Bold I approach th' eternal throne, 

and claim the crown, through Christ my own.