"My Jabbok"

My Jabbok

How many times must I cross you, oh my Jabbok!

My nightly wrestling wearies my soul,

and I am wrung out.

If I could cross you but once I might carry on.

The One standing guard at your ford could bless me but once

and I would limp away.

Away . . .

But I am always brought back to you,

to cross you yet again,

to wrestle the night long,

with the One who keeps watch.

Each night I demand the blessing,

for I cannot live without it,

and each night the One touches me yet again,

and I am out of joint.

The One has changed my name.

I am no longer one who cheats.

I am no longer one who displaces.

I am one who strives.

I am one who prevails.

So you shall no longer be Jabbok;

you shall be Peniel.

For I have seen the One face to face,

and my life is preserved.

David Tryggestad

October 8, 2013

On the 24^th Anniversary of my Ordination

Copyright © 2013 David Tryggestad. All Rights Reserved.