For years I served You
out in front,
doing what I believed You had called me to do.
They patted my back
and padded my purse
(or at least helped me line the bottom).
The praise meant nothing to me—
or so I thought—
until it stopped.
Even worse was when it went to another.
I took my complaint to You.
You held me while I cried, and then You asked,
“Why do you serve Me?
And why do you seek their praise?
I am your reward.”
Then you took me out of the way
and put me in the back,
where I could serve You
unhindered by the notice of others.
Now the joy of the Lord is my strength,
and You are my reward.

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After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

Genesis 15:1

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A free verse poem written for Kate Motaung’s Five-Minute Friday: REWARD
Copyright © 2019 Angela Umphers Rueger – All Rights Reserved

Photo courtesy of Kate Motaung, host of Five-Minute Friday