You Hold the Brakes

Brake lights burning, running late,

One more beep is all it takes.

I hear the edge come in my voice—

There I go, that same old choice.

Prayed for patience with the dawn;

By eight o’clock, where has it gone?

Jesus, here’s the truth again:

I need You right here where I am.

Before I find the words to pray,

You haven’t turned Your face away.

When my heart is overwhelmed,

Lead me to that higher Rock.

When I cannot calm myself,

You’re the peace the noise can’t stop.

This may hurt, but You are good;

You are working through the strain.

I don’t have to hold it all—

Jesus, You still hold the day.

I do the things I swore I’d quit,

Then beat myself up over it.

But You don’t leave me in my shame;

You call me Yours and call for change.

So I’ll own the wrong and make it right,

Without condemning me all night.

I want to change because I’m loved,

Not change enough to earn Your love.

Your mercy meets me where I stand

And helps me be a better man.

When my heart is overwhelmed,

Lead me to that higher Rock.

When I cannot calm myself,

You’re the peace the noise can’t stop.

This may hurt, but You are good;

You are working through the strain.

I don’t have to hold it all—

Jesus, You still hold the day.

You knew my worst and bore my cross;

I’m being shaped, not being lost.

If You still call this child Your own,

Why do I talk like I’m disowned?

Teach me to breathe before I speak,

To offer grace like You give me.

The work You started, You’ll see through;

I’ll take the next right step with You.

The traffic hasn’t moved an inch;

My hands let go their white-knuckled grip.

Same red lights, but now I pray:

“Jesus, help me live Your way.”

When my heart is overwhelmed,

Lead me to that higher Rock.

When I cannot calm myself,

You’re the peace the noise can’t stop.

This may hurt, but You are good;

You are faithful through the strain.

I can face what I can’t fix—

Jesus, You still hold the day.

Still Your child. Still being changed.

Still held close on my hardest day.

I don’t have to earn Your love.

Help me live like I am loved.

Jesus, You still hold the day.