When first I perceived the forgiveness,
That you’ve purchased, dear, oh so dear over me –
That undeserved sweetness, for me so worthless,
Fear took me to trembling.
I fall again, repent and try,
I repair myself to the Lord and I cry
Why do you keep forgiving me!?
I don’t deserve even the first, my Lord
As I progress in Your teachings
I realize I am worse than I thought.
Little sins that seem so docile,
That grow and sprout stubborn roots,
Without weeding become colossal,
Stunting and limiting the good fruits.
Each time I fall and may try again,
I become more aware of the extent of my sin.
Each time I fail and fall and slip
I learn, my Jesus, to have a tighter grip.
To cleave to You as my only hope
To let all worldly things, die –
To hold fast to you, the only rope
Upon which I can hope to climb.
As my life unfolds, I become aware,
Contrition is freedom, sin is the snare.
Slowly my eyes open to see
Only in obedience to you, that I am free.
