Matthew 23

I came for living water, not another stone. I came to find a shelter, not a heavier load. The hurt beneath the worship doesn't fade with song. A burden dressed in Scripture doesn't make it God's. You preach about surrender with a fist held tight. How can mercy reach us if it stays behind the mic? You teach the weak to carry what you will not touch. Then call the weight devotion when the weight's too much. The cross was never yours to turn into a chain. His blood was never license to dismiss our pain. I'm bringing You the anger I can barely name. Lord, hear the wounded voice beneath the burning shame. You tie up heavy BURDENS, Won't lift a FINGER to help. Leave us beneath the weight Then tell us to carry it well. Lord, You see these shoulders. You know what they have held. Let mercy reach the wounded Where the hands of leaders failed. You weigh the smallest offering but overlook the ache. What good is all that counting if the wounded have to wait? A title isn't service; it is not a higher throne. A shepherd walks beside us, doesn't leave us on our own. The outside shines like silver while the inside goes unseen. Lord, reach beneath the polish; wash what no one else can clean. Let justice interrupt the words that justify the load. Let mercy cross the distance that the proud refuse to go. And search me in this anger; keep my wounded heart from hate. Don't let me hand another soul the weight I couldn't take. I will not call this holy just to keep the room at peace. The truth can break the silence without breaking those in need. LIFT! The weight you taught us how to bear. HELP! Put hands beneath the load. MERCY! Let it cost you more than words. Lord, break the pride That leaves Your people crushed. You never asked me to pretend That hurt becomes holy when it happens in Your house. I can bring You all this anger. I can name what still cuts deep. You bore the cross with wounded shoulders. Meet me where my shoulders fail. Let Your church become a shelter With hands that help us bear the weight. You tie up heavy BURDENS, Won't lift a FINGER to help. Leave us beneath the weight Then tell us to carry it well. Lord, You see these shoulders. You know what they have held. Raise up leaders who will serve You With their hands beneath the weight. My wounds are still before You. My faith is in Your hands. Teach us how to carry The ones who cannot stand.