The Lifelong Battle

I hate it. I love it.
I’m held in its grip.
Its power’s alarming.
I feel myself slip.

It draws me with offers
Of quiet and rest,
Of freedom from sorrow,
Escape when I’m stressed.

But it always leaves me
So cold and alone,
With shame and confusion –
I reap what I’ve sown.

And yet I keep going,
Returning for more;
A slave to behaviors
I also abhor.

The devil, he whispers,
“Just do it once more;
This time you’ll enjoy it
Far more than before.”

I’m weak, and I know it,
And fighting is hard,
For moment by moment
I must be on guard.

It is so much easier
To give in to sin,
To yield to temptation
And let Satan win.

But while sin allures me,
I hear Jesus say,
“Come, ask me for mercy,
For help every day.

I lift up the fallen,
Forgive all your sin;
I’ll strengthen and help you
Again and again.”

I hate it. I hate it.
When ‘gainst God I sin.
Oh Saviour, please help me
The vict’ry to win.