A Paradox

O What a Paradox I Feel — Don Fortner and D. M. Blake


1. Two armies war within my soul; —
Both flesh and spirit seek control.
Both grace and sin resolv’d to reign,
This daily war within maintain.

2. Grace bids me seek the Lord in prayer,
Though sin would drive me to despair.
Sin drags me downward to the earth,
While grace uplifts by heav’nly birth.

3. The spirit truly loves the Lord,
His house, His people and His Word;
But, still, my heart with sin is tried.
The flesh will never step aside!

4. Grace fills my soul with heav’nly joys;
But sin my happiness annoys.
Though sin’s resolv’ed to hold me fast,
Grace shall prevail o’er sin at last!

5. O what a paradox I feel
A heart of flesh a heart of steel
In love with sin, with sin at war
Myself I love, myself abhor.

Oh, What a Paradox

"Oh, what a paradox I feel. A heart of flesh, a heart of steel. In love with sin, with sin at war. Myself I love, myself abhor."
Darius Mayse Blake
"Papaw" (1918-2005)

The song "Why" was one of my Papaw's favorite hymns.

1. Why did they nail Him to Calvary's tree?
   Why? tell me, why was He there?
   Jesus the Helper, the Healer, the Friend
   Why? tell me, why was He there?

2. Why should He love me, a sinner undone?
   Why? tell me, why should He care?
   I do not merit the love He has shown
   Why? tell me, why should He care?

3. Why should I linger afar from His love?
   Why? tell me, why should I fear?
   Somehow I know I should venture and prove
   Why? tell me, why should I fear?

Chorus:

All my iniquities on Him were laid
He nailed them all to the tree
Jesus the debt of my sin fully paid
He paid the ransom for me.

John M. Moore (1953), Scottish preacher/composer