What we deserve and what we get

Strife in the soul, tearing at me,
Guilt, shame, failure; repeated offenses committed.
Dark vales, frustrated stinging moments,
Low points resulting from Sin and the Fall.

Inward promised light, renewing my faith,
Justified, sanctified, redeemed; saved in spite of myself.
Grace extended, unbidden and undeserved,
Beauty in the generously offered Word and Sacrament.

This yin and yang between what we deserve and what we get amazes me every Sunday. Its simplicity humbles me. Still, I often don't get it.