That Merciful Would Be Your Name

This is based upon reflection of both myself and how I have been living lately and reflections upon the Haitian earthquake tragedy.

I see it through the hands
building a sandcastle
with the grains of sand
Hours upon hours spent
constructing on sturdy land
The sun slides down into bed
with it brings the high tide
in just a moment
a day’s work has washed by

We cry for mercy
left in the rubble’s wake
of what we build and trust to stand
comes down with a wave’s face
And we cry for mercy
seeing now what we pursue
empty and unfulfilled, barren
turning to face our need for You
And we cry for mercy
for Your hands to come and fill
Pure, steady, and able to sustain
In the midst of our pursuit of vain
And we cry to You
that Merciful would be Your name

I see it through the pictures
the clips on a film reel
Once was built of man
deemed strong and sturdy
now has come to fail
The whole broken to pieces
people left in the rubble’s wake
crying out for mercy
and wondering why You chose to shake

And we cry for mercy
left in the rubble’s wake
of what we build and trust to stand
comes down with a minute’s shake
And we cry for mercy
seeing now what we are without
broken and battered, hurting
turning to face our deepest doubts
And we cry for mercy
only to You, all who remains
Strong, steady, and without change
In the midst of our deepest pain
And we cry to You
that Merciful would be Your name.