I Am Glad That My Story

From Paul Tripp Ministries

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3, ESV)

I am glad that my story didn’t end with
shapen in iniquity.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
conceived in sin.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
gone astray from the womb.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
without hope, without God in the world.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
enemy of God.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
excluded from the beloved.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
children of God’s wrath.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
alien to the promises.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
lost, blind, rebel, deceived.
I am glad that my story didn’t end with
a sentence of condemnation.

I am glad that
you chose me.
I am glad that
you sought me.
I am glad that
you called me.
I am glad that
you opened my eyes.
I am glad that
you forgave me.
I am glad that
you welcomed and accepted me.
I am glad that
you are always with me.
I am glad that
you empower me.
I am glad that
you progressively transform me.
I am glad that
you bless me with your wisdom.
I am glad that you
encourage me with your promises.
I am glad that
you guide me with your commands.
I am glad that
you keep me.
I am glad that
you love me inseparably.
And I am glad that because of you
I can be glad
and will be glad
not just today
but tomorrow
and for all the tomorrows of the
eternity to come.

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
    and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
    they shall obtain gladness and joy,
    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

(Isaiah 51:11, ESV)


Other Scripture verses referenced in the poem:

  • “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5, KJV)
  • “Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.” (Psalm 58:3, NIV)
  • “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12, KJV)
  • “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4, ESV)

God bless,

Paul David Tripp


Reflection Questions

1. When did God interrupt your story and call you to himself? What trajectory were you on, and how did he save you from yourself?

2. How frequently do you reflect on your salvation story? Should you do it more? How should this meditation shape your day-to-day Christianity?

3. How have you displayed recent evidence that you are still partially lost, somewhat spiritually blind, a bit of a rebel, and prone to deception and temptation? How do you need Christ just as much today as you did when you were saved? Be specific.

4. How frequently do you give thanks for God’s commands, promises, wisdom, and sanctifying grace? Could you write a lengthy list of all the reasons you have to be thankful today, or do grumbling and complaint define you more than they should?

5. Would the people closest to you characterize you as a joyful person? What can you do to be more glad?

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I Am Glad That My Story

New Hope Presbyterian Church Bridgeton, NJ

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