As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.
This is the product of our struggle with infertility and the recent death of a friend’s newborn son.
1 O God, creator of heaven and earth
Why do you allow death and barrenness to overcome?
Why do you allow the seed to sprout and die?
Or why don't you allow the seed to sprout at all?
2 O God, you who are the life giver
How long will death ravage like a tyrant?
How long will sterility make us carry shame like slaves?
3 Sovereign God, you who control all things
Why does death seem to invade at will?
Why do the faithful seem to be so defenseless to infertility?
Like a castle without ramparts,
Like a sea vessel without a harbor,
Exposed to the tossing of emotional waves.
4 Why are the ungodly allowed to relish the fruit of the womb, the fruit you created?
And those who call upon your name have to carry the stigma unfruitfulness.
5 Why do the pangs of death cause us to be numb with pain?
Poisoned by the sorrow of separation.
Why does birth flee from us, as prey from a predator?
6 You God, who gives life to all things created
When will you create?
When will you give life?
7 Jehovah Rapha, why have you allowed us to be stricken with wounds from the grave?
Why have you allowed our souls to be gashed with the anguish of childlessness?
8 I don’t understand at times
And at moments many questions hold fast to my heart
But I will appeal, I will appeal to what I have in Christ,
To the assurance of love I have in the triune God of the Gospel
9 Look upon us and have mercy
Look upon us and have compassion
You, Father, who has eternally enjoyed the communion of your Son
You, Spirit, who are the breathe of life
10 I Praise you loving Father,
You who will look upon our shame
Who will remove our stigma
11 To death you have said, “where is your sting?”
To barren you have said, “Rejoice!”
12 You have looked on the affliction of your people
You have opened our eyes to see our hope
13 To the barren You have provided a son, your Son
To the one withered by the pains of death,
You have provided your Spirit as their very Life,
With a promised Resurrection.