God of Jacob, Love of Esau

I was born in iniquity;
And I tremble before both miserable and mighty men.
How can I stand before your holiness
On the ground that you have made, and made holy?
Esau have I loved;
My gnawing hungers drive me to despise what you have given,
What you have made mine by right of a new birth.
I let go long before you bless me, God of Jacob.

I scorn your redemption, a bowl of stew;
And sing siren songs with the voice of a wretched man;
Enemy or friend? Darkness or light?
I know not what I do.
Yet you shelter me in the day of trouble
And cover me with favor as with a shield.
Like a father, mother, husband—you love me.
Though I yet love what you have hated,
I wear your armor as you train my hands for war.

Because you knit me together, I cannot fall apart.
So I will not look long into the splintering madness of sin,
Though it beckons with all the force of the law,
Blazing, furious, impotent. Proud.
I run to you, my refuge and strength.
You stand, though the earth you made gives way.
When my foot slips, when my heart fails--your steadfast love holds me up;
As it held you up against the splintering shame of the cross,
Which holds all things together.

I cannot drift away, for you are a sure and steadfast anchor.
When my heart condemns me and my enemies seek my life,
You are greater than my heart; you are stronger than my foes.
I will never be alone, because you have put your spirit within me.
I will never be forgotten, because Christ intercedes for me at your throne.
Though I die, you are the resurrection and the life.
So spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer;
And I will hold fast the confession of my hope:
You are faithful and you save to the uttermost,
My God, O God of Jacob.