My Burden

God laid upon my back a grievous load, A heavy cross to bear along the road.

I staggered on, and lo! one weary day, An angry lion sprang across my way.

I prayed to God, and swift at His command The cross became a weapon in my hand.

It slew my raging enemy, and then Became a cross upon my back again.

I reached a desert. O’er the burning track I persevered, the cross upon my back.

No shade was there, and in the cruel sun I sank at last, and thought my days were done.

But lo! the Lord works many a blest surprise — The cross became a tree before my eyes!

I slept; I woke, to feel the strength of ten. I found the cross upon my back again.

And thus through all my days from then to this, The cross, my burden, has become my bliss.

Nor ever shall I lay the burden down, For God someday will make the cross a crown!

~Amos R. Wells