5.7.2017 POEMS ON TRUST AND COMFORT

579  HE WAS ALONE - Lois Duffield

they came for Him with sword and
stave,
they cut His heart with hate.
no one stood by to help or save,
or even share His fate.

they left Him all alone to face
the cursing, spitting crowd,
and rulers, some of whom were base
but more of whom were proud.

His Cross alone He had to bear -
how much alone was He!
perhaps that's why He's always near
to help and comfort me!

I'M NOT ALONE - L.E.Dunkin

I'm not alone, though others go
a different way from what I choose;
I'm not alone, though I say 'No!'
I know that I will never lose.
I'm not alone, though others tease
and urge that I should go their way;
I'm not alone, though I displease
my friends by what I'll never say.
I'm not alone, for I now choose -
though other folk may call me odd,
tho' now it seems that I might lose -
to go the way that Jesus trod.

581 - WHAT NEED OF FEAR?
what room is there for troubled fear?
I know my Lord, and He is near;
and He will light my candle, so
that I may see the way I go.

there need be no bewilderment
to one who goes where he is sent;
the trackless plain, by night and day
is set with signs lest he should stray.

my path may cross a waste of sea,
but that need never frighten me -
or rivers full to very brim,
but they are open ways to Him.

my path may lead thro' wood at night,
where neither moon nor any light
of guiding star or beacon shines;
he will not let me miss my signs.

Lord, grant to me a quiet mind,
that, trusting Thee - for Thou art
kind -
I may go on without a fear,
for Thou, my Lord, art always near.
Author unknown

IN A MOMENT - Author unknown

a moment more and I may be
caught up in glory, Lord, with Thee:
and, raptured sight, Thy beauty see
for evermore!

a moment more - what joy to wear
Thy likeness, Savior and to share
with Thee the place prepared there,
where Thou art gone!

a moment more - upon thy throne,
Thy place by right, then made our
own;
Thou wilt not fill that seat alone,
but with Thy saints!

SOWING AND REAPING - Adoniram Judson

in spite of sorrow, loss, and pain,
our course be onward still;
we sow on Burma's barren plain,
we reap on Zion's hill.

582  PLACE OF REPAIR - Author unknown

Place of repair:  O blessed place of refuge!
how gladly will I come to meet Him there,
to cease awhile from all the joy of service
to find a deeper joy with him to share.

Place of repair:  for tired brain and body!
how much I need that place just out of sight
where only He can talk, and be beside me,
until again made strong by His great might.

Place of repair:  when trials press upon me
and God permits the unexpected test,
'Tis there I learn some lesson sweet and precious
as simply on His faithfulness I rest.

Place of repair: the place to take my sorrow,
the thing that hurts and would be hard to bear,
but somehow in the secret place I'm finding
that all the hurt is healed since He is there.

Place of repair:  to wait for fresh enduement
I silently with Him alone would stay
until He speaks again, and says, 'Go forward
to help some other sheep to find the way'.

Place of repair: O trysting-place most hallowed,
the Lord Himself is just that place to me,
His grace, His strength, His glory and His triumph,
Himself alone my all-sufficiency.

I GO ALONE - Amy L. Person

I go alone
upon the narrow way that leads
through shadowed valleys, over rocky heights,
to glorious plains beyond;
and sometimes when the way is very lone
i cry out for companionship and long
for fellow-travellers on the toilsome path,
until a Voice of sweetest music whispers,
'My grace sufficient is, no other guide thou needst
but Me. and then the path grows brighter as
I go alone.

583  My Saviour knows
the way i take. Himself has trod
the selfsame road. he knows each stone,
temptations, pitfalls hid by blossoms fair,
the hour of darkness that my life must share,
the wilderness of sorrow, doubt, and fear,
renunciation's agony and every pang
of loneliness and labor's wear; enough for me
that He has known it all, that now He stays
to strengthen, guide and help me. I am glad
My savior knows.

Thy will be done
whether on pleasant paths, I walk along,
or crouch amid the lightnings of the storm,
whether for me the larks of springtime sing,
or winter's icy blast my being sting;
whatever Thou dost send is best for me,
with joyful heart I take it all from Thee,
rejoicing in thy sovereignty, and pray
that Thou wilt lead me on my upward way;
the road grows smoother as I travel on.
Thy will be done.

REST WHERE YOU ARE - Author unknown

when, spurred by tasks unceasing or undone,
you would seek rest afar,
and cannot, though repose be rightly won -
rest where you are.

neglect the needless;  sanctify the rest;
move without stress or jar;
with quit of a spirit self-possessed
rest where you are.

not in event, restriction, or release,
not in scenes near or far,
but in ourselves are restlessness or peace:
rest where you are.

where lives the soul lives God; His day, His world,
no phantom mists need mar;
his starry nights are tents of peace unfurled:
rest where you are.

584  BE STILL - Author unknown

'BE STILL,  my soul, for so thy Lord commands:
e'en when thy way seems blocked, leave it in His wise hands;
his arm is mighty to divide the wave.
'stand still, my soul, 'stand still' and thou
how God can work the 'impossible' for thee,
for with a great deliverance He doth save.

be not impatient, but in stillness stand,
even when compassed 'round on every hand,
in ways they spirit does not comprehend.
God cannot clear thy way till thou art still,
that he may work in thee His blessed will,
and all thy heart and will to Him do bend.

'BE STILL,'  my soul, for just as thou art still,
can God reveal Himself to thee; until
through thee His love and light and life can freely flow;
in stillness god can work through thee and reach
the souls around thee. He then through thee can teach
His lessons, and his power in weakness show.

'BE STILL,  my soul, for just as thou art still,
can God reveal himself to thee; until
through thee His love and light and life can freely flow;
in stillness god can work through thee and reach
the souls around thee. He then through thee can teach
his lessons, and his power in weakness show.
'BE STILL - a deeper step in faith and rest.
'Be still and know' they Father knoweth best
the way to lead His child to that fair land,
a 'sumer' land, where quiet waters flow;
where longing souls are satisfied, and 'know
their god', and praise for all that He has planned.

585  MY TRUST - Samuel Rodigast

Whate'er my God ordains is right;
His will is ever just;
howe'er He orders now my cause,
i will be still and trust.
He is my God;
though dark my road,
he holds me that I shall not fall,
wherefore to Him I leave it all.

Whate'er my God ordains is right;
my light, my life is He,
who cannot will me aught but good;
i trust Him utterly;
for well I know,
in joy or woe,
we soon shall see, as sunlight clear,
how faithful was our guardian here.

whate'er my God ordains is right;
here will I take my stand,
tho 'sorrow, need or death make earth
for me a desert land.
My Father's care
is round me there,
he holds me that i shall not fall;
and so to Him I leave it all.

IT'S NEVER EASY - Phyllis C. Michael

it's never easy when one must go
and one must stay - behind;
it's never easy, i know, I know -
it sears both heart and mind.

it's never easy, but go one must
when comes the day, the hour;
it's never easy, but if we trust,
God will give strength and power.

it's never easy!  God knows this, too;
that's why he stays quite near
to help us as we stumble through
the vale of grief and fear.

It's never easy, but take God's hand
and pry till night has passed;
just trust nor ask to understand -
and peace will come - at last.

586  I'M STANDING, LORD - Betty Stam

'I'm standing, Lord.
there is a mist that blinds my sight.
steep jagged racks, front, left, and
            right,
lower, dim, gigantic, in the night.
where is the way?

'I'm standing, Lord.
the black rock hems me in behind.
above my head a moaning wind
chills and oppresses heart and mind.
I am afraid!

'I'm standing, Lord.
the rock is hard beneath my feet.
i nearly slipped, Lord, on the sleet.
so weary, Lord, and where a seat?
still must I stand?

He answered me, and on His face
a look ineffable of grace,
of perfect, understanding love,
which all  y murmuring did remove.

'I'm standing, Lord.
since Thou hast spoken, Lord, I see
Thou hast beset; these rocks are thee;
and since Thy love encloses me,
I stand and sing!'

COMFORT - J.J.Lynch

say not, my soul,  'from whence
can God relieve my care?
remember that Omnipotence
Hath servants everywhere.

His help is always sure,
His methods seldom guessed;
delay will make our pleasure pure:
surprise will give it zest.

His wisdom is sublime,
His heart profoundly kind;
God never is before His time,
and never is behind.

hast thou assumed a load
which none will bear with thee?
and art thou bearing it for god,
and shall He fail to see?

Be comforted at heart,
thou art not left alone;
now thou the Lord's companion art -
soon thou shalt share His throne.

587  SLEEP -Ella Conrad Cowherd

I'm too tired to trust and too tired to pray,
said one, as the over-taxed strength gave way.
the one, as the over-taxed strength gave way.
the one conscious thought by my mind possessed,
is, oh, could I just drop it all and rest.

will God forgive me, do you suppose,
if I go right to sleep as a baby goes,
without an asking if I may,
without ever trying to trust and pry/

Will God forgive you? why think, dear heart,
when language to you was an unknown art,
did a mother deny you needed rest,
or refuse to pillow your head on her breast?

Did she let you want when you could not ask?
Did she set her child an unequal task?
or did she cradle you in her arms,
and then guard your slumber against alarms?

Ah, how quick was her mother love to see,
the unconscious yearnings of infancy.
when you've grown too tired to trust and pray,
when over-wrought nature has quite given way:

then just drop it all and give up to rest,
as you used to do on a mother's breast,
He knows all about it - the dear Lord knows,
so just go to sleep as a baby goes;

without even asking if you may,
God knows when His child is too tired to pray.
He judges not solely by uttered prayer,
he knows when the yearnings of love are there.

he knows you do pray, he knows you do trust,
and He knows, too, the limits of poor weak dust.
oh, the wonderful sympathy of Christ,
for His chosen ones in that midnight tryst,

when he bade them sleep and take their rest,
while on Him the guilt of the whole world pressed -
you've given you life up to Him to keep,
then don't be afraid to go right to sleep.

588  MY WILL -Author unknown

my wild will was captured, yet under the yoke
there was pain and not peace at the press of the load;
till the glorious burden the last fibre broke,
and i melted lie wax in the furnace of God.

and now i have flung myself recklessly out,
like a chip on the stream of His infinite will;
I pass the rough rocks with a smile and shout,
and just let my God his dear purpose fulfill.

WINGS - Author unknown

the little bird sat on a slender limb,
Upward swinging,
and though wind and rain were rough with him,
still kept singing.
'o little bird, quick, seek out your nest!'
i could not keep from calling;
'the bleak winds tear your tender breast,
your tiny feet are falling'.
'More need for song
when things go wrong,
i was not meant for crying;
No fear for me',
he piped with glee,
'my wings were made for flying!'

My heart had been dark as the stormy sky
in my sorrow,
with the weight of troubles long passed by,
and the morrow.
'o little bird, sing!  I cried once more,
'the sun will soon be shining.
see, there's a rainbow arching o'er
the storm cloud's silver lining.'
i, too, will sing
through everything;
it will teach blessing double;
nor yet forget.
when rude winds fret,
to fly above my trouble.

589  LAID ON THINE ALTAR - Author unknown

laid on Thine altar, O my Lord, divine,
accept this day my gift for Jesus' sake.
I have no jewels to adorn thy shrine,
nor any world-famed sacrifice to make;
but here i bring within my trembling hand
this will of mine: a thing that seemeth small;
and only thou dear Lord, canst understand
that when i yield Thee this, I yield Thee all.
it hath been wet with tears and dimmed with sighs,
clenched in my clasp, till beauty it hath none.

now from thy footstool, where it vanquished lies,
the prayer ascendeth: 'Let thy will be done'.
Take it, O Father, ere my courage fail,
and blend it so with thine own will, that e'en
if in some desperate hour my cry prevail,
and Thou giv'st back my gift, it may have been
so changed, so purified, so fair have grown,
so one with thee, so filled with peace divine,
i may not know nor feel it as my own,
but gaining back my will may find it Thine.

A LITTLE CHILD - Edith Shaw Brown 

a little child at mother's knee
plies woolen strands and needles bright.
small, eager hands strive earnestly
to fasten every stitch aright.

but soon perplexing knots appear
which vex and hinder progress' flow;
impatient fingers pull and tear,
while ever worse the tangles grow.

how surely then in wiser hands
the roughest places are made plain!
how easy now the task's demands,
how wonderful the lesson's gain!

thus, God, we bring our snarls to thee;
though human sense and stubborn will
oft clamor loud for mastery,
we hear alone Thy 'Peace, be still'.

590   LORD, MAKE ME STRONG - Dorothy Clark Wilson

Lord, make me strong! let my soul rooted be
afar from vales of rest,
flung close to heaven upon a great Rock's breast,
unsheltered and alone, but strong in Thee.

what though the lashing tempests leave their scars?
has not the Rock been bruised?
Mine, with the strength of ages deep infused,
to face the storms, and triumph with the stars!

Lord, plant my spirit high upon the crest
of Thine eternal strength!
then, though life's breaking struggles come at length,
their storm shall only bend me to Thy breast.

DELIVERANCE - M.E.B.

thou servant of the living God,
whilst lions round thee roar,
look up and trust and praise His
Name,
and all His ways adore;
for even now, in peril dire,
he works to set thee free,
and in a way known but to Him,
shall thy deliverance be.

dost wait while lions round thee stand?
dost wait in gloom, alone,
and looking up above thy head
see but a sealed stone?
Praise in the dark! Yea, praise His
name,
who trusted thee to see
His mighty power displayed again
for thee, His saint, for thee.

thou servant of the living God,
thine but to wait and praise;
the living God, Himself, will work,
to Him thine anthem raise;
though undelivered thou dost wait,
the God Who works for thee,
when His hour strikes, will with a word
set thee for ever free.

REST - Bayard Taylor

not so in haste, my heart!
have faith in God and wait:
although He linger long
he never comes too late.

until He cometh, rest,
nor grudge the hours that roll,
the feet that wait for God
are soonest at the goal.

are soonest at the goal
that is not gained by speed.
then hold thee still, my heart,
for i shall wait His lead. 

591  AN EXCHANGE OF WILLS

I want my heart so cleared of self
that my dear Lord can come
and set up His own furnishings,
and make my heart - His home.

and since I know what this requires,
each morning while it's still,
i slip into that secret room,
and leave with Him - My WILL,

he always takes it graciously,
presenting me with His;
I'm ready then to meet the day
and any task there is.

and this is how my Lord controls
my interest, my ills,
because we meet at break of day,
for an EXCHANGE OF WILLS.

Anna Jane Granniss

WHEN THOU HAST SHUT THY DOOR

when thou hast shut thy door,
shut out from thee its anxious care
with all its sharp temptations sore,
for He is there.

when thou hast shut thy door,
shut out from thee its pain and grief,
bereavements -pressures to the core;
He give relief.

when thou hast shut thy door,
and left all there behind that wall
of God's own care, forevermore -
He takes it all. 

when thou hast shut thy door,
shut out thyself - He only in,
nothing for thee but to adore -
he works within.
L.S.P.

STILL WITH THEE - Harriet Beecher Stowe

still, still with Thee, when purple morning braketh,
when the bid waketh and the shadows flee;
fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee.

alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,
the hush of nature newly born;
alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
in the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

as in the dawning o'er the waveless ocean,
the image of the morning-star doth rest,
so in this stillness, Thou beholdest only
thine image in the waters of my breast.

when sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,
its closing eyes look up to thee in prayer;
sweet the repose, beneath Thy wings o'er shadowing,
but sweeter still to wake and find Thee there.

591  LEAN HARD - Author unknown

Child of  My love, lean hard,
and let Me feel the pressure of thy care;
I know thy burden, child. I shaped it;
poised it in Mine Own hand; made no proportion
in its weight to thine unaided strength,
for even as I laid it on, i sad,
'I shall be near and while she leans on me
this burden shall be Mine, not hers;
so shall i keep My child within the circling arms
of My Own love'.  here lay it down, nor fear
to impose it on a shoulder which upholds
the government of worlds. yet closer come:
thou art not near enough. I would embrace thy care;
so I might feel My child reposing on My breast.
thou lovest me? I knew it. doubt not then;
but loving Me lean hard.

GOD OF ALL COMFORT - Author unknown

I have been through the valley of weeping,
the valley of sorrow and pain;
but the God of all comfort' was with me,
at hand to uphold and sustain.

as the earth needs the clouds and sunshine,
our souls need both sorrow and joy;
so He places us oft in the furnace,
the dross from the gold to destroy.

when he leads through some valley of trouble,
his omnipotent hand we trace;
for the trials and sorrows He sends us,
are part of His lessons in grace.

oft we shrink from the purging and pruning,
forgetting the Husbandman knows
that the deeper the cutting and paring,
the richer the cluster that grows.

well He knows that affliction is needed;
He has a wise purpose in view.
and in the dark valley he whispers,
'hereafter thou'lt know what I do'.

593  as we travel through life's shadow'd valley,
fresh springs of His love ever rise;
and we learn that our sorrows and losses,
are blessings just sent in disguise.

so we'll follow wherever he leadeth,
let the path be dreary or bright;
for we've proved that our god can give comfort;
our God can give songs in the night.

WHERE YOU'VE PUT ME - Author unknown

I'll stay where You've put me; I will, dear Lord,
though I wanted so badly to go;
I was eager to march with the 'rank and file',
yes, I wanted to lead them, You know.
I planned to keep step to the music loud,
to cheer when the banner unfurled,
to stand in the midst of the first straight and proud,
but I'll stay where You've put me.

I'll stay where You've put me; I'll work, dear Lord,
though the field be narrow and small,
and the ground be fallow and the stones lie thick,
and there sees to be no  life at all.
the field is thine own, only give me the seed,
I'll sow it with never a fear;
I'll till the dry soil while I wait for the rain,
and rejoice when the green blades appear;
I'll work where You've put me.

I'll stay where You've put me; I will, dear lord,
I'll bear the day's burden and heat,
always trusting thee fully; when even has come
I'll lay heavy sheaves at Thy feet.
and then, when my earth work is ended and done,
in the light of eternity's glow,
Life's record all closed, I surely shall find
I was better to stay than to go;
I'll stay where You've put me.

594  THE WILL OF GOD -Gerhardt Tersteegen

Thou sweet, beloved will of god,
my anchor ground, my fortress hill,
my spirit's silent, fair abode,
in Thee I hide me and am still.

Thy beautiful sweet will, my God,
holds fast in its sublime embrace
my captive will, a gladsome bird,
prison'd in such a realm of grace.

upon god's will I lay me down,
as child upon its mother's breast,
no silken couch, nor softest bed,
could ever give me such deep rest.

AGAINST A THORN - Author unknown

once I heard a song of sweetness,
as it cleft the morning air,
sounding in its blest completeness,
lie a tender, pleading prayer;
and I sought to find the singer,
whence the wondrous song was
borne:
and I found a bird, sore wounded,
pinioned by a cruel thorn.

I have seen a soul in sadness,
while its wings with pain were
furl'd,
giving hope and cheer and gladness
that should bless a weeping world;
and I knew that life of sweetness,
was of pain and sorrow borne,
and a stricken soul was singing,
with its heart against a thorn.

ye are told of One who loved you,
of a saviour crucified,
ye are told of nails that pinioned,
and a spear that pierced His side;

ye are told of cruel scourging,
of a Saviour bearing scorn,
and He died for your salvation,
with His brow against a thorn.

ye 'are not above the Master'.
will you breathe a sweet refrain?
and His grace will be sufficient,
when your heart is pierced with
pain.
will you live to bless His loved ones,
Tho' your life be bruised and torn,
like the bird that sang so sweetly,
with its heart again a thorn? 

THAT ODD LITTLE SPARROW
 just think of that odd little sparrow,
uncared for by any but god,
it surely must bring thee some comfort
to know that he loved it - tho' odd.

that one little odd little sparrow,
the object of god's tender care?
then surely thou art of more value,
thou need'st not give way to despair

it may be thou art an 'odd sparrow',
but God's eye of love rests on thee,
and He understands what to others,
will always a mystery be.

Thou thinkest thy case so peculiar
that nobody can understand.
take life's tangled skein to Thy
Saviour
and leave it in His skillful Hand.

Believe in His love and His pity
confide in His wisdom and care,
remember the little odd sparrow,
and never give way to despair
Author unknown

595  THE POTTER - Author unknown

the potter worked at his task
with patience, love and skill.
a vessel, marred and broken,
he altered again to his will.
it was blackened, bent and old
but with traces of beauty left,
so he worked, this mender of pottery,
to restore the charm bereft,
till at last it stood transformed
and he viewed it with tender eyes,
the work of his hands and love,
this potter, patient and wise.

I know a Mender of broken hearts,
and of lives that are all undone;
He takes them all, as they come to
 Him
and He loves them, every one.
with patience, love and skill
that surpasses the knowledge of men,
this Master Potter gathers the lost
and restores to His image again.
O Lover of folk with broken lives,
O wonderful Potter Divine,
I bring my soul for thy healing
touch;
in me, let thy beauty shine. 

HE WILL SILENTLY PLAN FOR THEE

HE will silently plan for thee,
object thou of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be
Thy pilot thro' each subtle snare.

He WILL silently plan for thee,
so certainly, He cannot fail!
rest on the faithfulness of God,
in Him thou surely shalt prevail.

He will SILENTLY plan for thee
some wonderful surprise of love.
eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard,
but it is kept for thee above.

he will silently PLAN for thee,
His purposes shall all unfold;
the tangled skein shall shine at last,
a masterpiece of skill untold.

He will silently plan FOR THEE,
happy child of a Father's care,
as though no other claimed His love,
but thou alone wert dear.
E. Mary Grimes

SHUT IN - Author unknown

Shut in? Ah, yes, that's so,
as far as getting out may go,
shut in away from earthly cares,
but not shut out from Him who cares.

shut in from many a futile quest,
but Christ can be your daily Guest.
he's not shut out by your four walls,
but hears and answers all your calls.

Shut in with God. Oh that should be
such a wonderful opportunity.
then after you have done your best,
in God's hands sagely leave the rest.

596  COME UNTO ME, YE WEARY

'Come unto Me, ye weary,
and I will give you rest'.
O  blessed voice of Jesus,
which comes to hearts oppressed!
it tells of benediction,
of pardon, grace, and peace,
of joy that hath no ending,
of love which cannot cease.

'Come unto Me, ye wanderers,
and I will give you light'.
o loving voice of Jesus,
which comes to cheer the night!
our hearts were filled with sadness,
and we had lost our way;
but morning brings us gladness,
and songs, the break of day.

'Come unto Me, ye fainting,
and I will give you life'.
o cheering voice of Jesus,
which comes to aid our strife!
the foe is stern and eager,
the fight is fierce and long;
but Thou hast made us mighty,
and stronger than the strong.

'and whosoever cometh,
I will not cast him out'.
O welcome voice of Jesus,
which drives away our doubt!
which calls us, very sinners,
unworthy though we be
of love so free and boundless,
to come, dear Lord, to Thee!
William C. Dix

MY BOAT - JOSEPH ADDISON RICHARDS

I owned a little boat a while ago
and sailed a Morning Sea without a fear,
and whither any breeze might fairly blow
I'd steer the little craft afar or near.

Mine was the boat, and mine the air,
and mine the sea; not mine, a care.

My boat became my place of nightly toil.
I sailed at sunset to the fishing ground.
at morn the boat was freighted with the spoil
that my all-conquering work and skill had found.

Mine was the boat, and mine the net,
and mine the skill and power to get.

one day there passed along the silent shore,
while I my net was casting in the sea,
a man, who spoke as never man before;
I followed Him - new life begun in me.

Mine was the boat, but His the voice,
and His the call; yet mine, the choice.

597  Ah, 'twas a fearful night out on the lake,
and all my skill availed not at the helm,
till Him asleep I waken, crying 'Take,
Take Thou command, lest waters overwhelm!'

his was the boat and His the sea,
and His the Peace o'er all and me.

Once from His boat He taught the curious throng,
then bade me let down nets out in the Sea;
I murmured, but obeyed, nor was it long
before the catch amazed and humbled me.

His was the boat, and His the skill,
and his the catch - and His, my will.

INTO THE DARK - Edith Gilling Cherry

into the dark, Lord Jesus,
into the dark with Thee,
there hath come to my heart a calling apart,
and a whispered, 'Follow Me'.

take Thou my hand, Lord Jesus,
in thy mighty clasp divine;
hold it close, Lord Jesus,
that it tremble not in Thine;
for my heart shrinks back from the unknown track,
and my feet tread falteringly;
and into the dark I follow-
into the dark with Thee.

into the dark, Lord Jesus,
is it the dark with Thee?
Nay, Thou makest the night about me light,
and mine eyes -mine eyes shall see -
shall 'see the King in His beauty',
in the land that is far away;
shall see in the heavenly sunshine,
the path that is hid today.

then why should I fear what the untried year
may bring to mine or me?
into the dark I follow-
Nay, into the Light, with Thee!

598  GOD WILL ANSWER - M.E.B.

God will answer when to thee,
not a possibility
of deliverance seems near;
it is when He will appear.

God will answer when you pray;
yea, though mountains block thy way,
at His word, a way will be
e'en thro' mountains, made for thee.

God who still divides the sea,
willingly will work for thee;
God, before whom mountains fall,
promises to hear thy call.

ONE LOWLY PATH - G.T.S.

one place have I in heaven above -
the glory of His throne;
on this dark earth, whence He is gone,
I have one place alone;

and if His rest in heaven I know,
I joy to find His path below.

one lowly path across the waste,
the lowly path of shame;
I would adore Thy wondrous grace
that I should tread the same.
The Stranger and the Alien, Thou -
and I the stranger, alien, now.

WIT'S END CORNER - Antoinette Wilson

are you standing at 'Wit's End Corner',
Christian, with troubled brow?
are you thinking of what is before you,
and all you are bearing now?
does all the world seem against you,
and you in the battle alone?
remember - at 'Wit's End Corner'
is just where God's power is shown.

are you standing at 'Wit's End Corner'
blinded with wearying pain,
feeling you cannot endure it,
you cannot bear the strain,
bruised through the constant suffering,
Dizzy, and dazed and numb?
Remember - at 'Wit's End Corner'
is where Jesus loves to come.

are you standing at 'Wit's End Corner'?
your work before you spread,
all lying begun, unfinished,
and pressing on heart and head,
longing for strength to do it,
stretching out trembling hands?
Remember - at 'Wit's End Corner'
the Burden bearer stands.

are you standing at 'Wit's End Corner'?
then you're just in the very spot
to learn the wondrous resources
of Him who faileth not;
no doubt to a brighter pathway
your footsteps will soon be moved,
but only at 'Wit's End Corner'
is the 'God who is able' proved.

599  HE GOES BEFORE - J. Danson Smith
dark is the sky! and veiled the unknown morrow!
dark is life's way, for night is not yet o'er;
the longed-for glimpse I may not meanwhile borrow;
but, this i know, HE GOETH ON BEFORE.

dangers are nigh! and fears my mind are shaking;
heart seems to dread what life may hold in store;
but i am His - He knows the way I'm taking,
more blessed still - HE GOETH ON BEFORE.

doubts cast their weird, unwelcome shadows o'er me,
doubts that life's best - life's choicest things are o'er;
what but His Word can strengthen, can restore me,
and this blest fact;  that still HE GOES BEFORE.

HE GOES BEFORE! be this my consolation!
HE GOES BEFORE! on this my heart would dwell!
HE GOES BEFORE! this guarantees, salvation!
HE GOES BEFORE! and therefore all is well.

600  MY LOAD - Mary Butterfield

one day when walking down the street,
on business bent, while thinking hard
about the 'hundred cares' which seemed
like thunder clouds about to break
in torrents, Self-pity said to me:
'You, poor, poor thing, you have too much
to do.  your life is far too hard.
this heavy load will crush you soon'.
a swift response of sympathy
welled up within. the burning sun
seemed more intense. the dust and noise
of puffing motors flying past
with rasping blast of blowing horn
incensed still more the whining nerves,
the fabled last back-breaking straw
to weary, troubled, fretting mind.

'Ah, yes, 'twill break and crush my life;
i cannot bear this constant strain
of endless, aggravating cares;
they are too great for such as i'.
so thus my heat condoled itself,
'enjoying misery',  when lo!
a 'still small voice' distinctly said,
' 'Twas sent to lift you - not to crush'.
I saw at once my great mistake.
my place was not beneath the load
but on top! God meant it not
that I should carry it. He sent
it here to carry me. full well
he knew my incapacity
before the plan was made. He saw
a child of His in need of grace
and power to serve; a puny twig
requiring sun and rain to grow;
an undeveloped chrysalis;
a weak soul lacking faith in god.
He could not help but see all this
and more. and then, with tender thought
He placed it where it had to grow -
or die. to lie and cringe beneath
one's load means death, but life and power
await all those who dare to rise above.
our burdens are our wings; on them
we soar to higher realms of grace;
without them we must roam for aye
on planes of undeveloped faith,
(for faith grows but by exercise
in circumstance impossible).

Oh, paradox of Heaven. the load
we think will crush was sent to lift us
Up to God!  then, soul of mine,
Climb up! for naught can e'er be crushed
save what is underneath the weight.
how may we climb! by what ascent
shall we surmount the carping cares
of life! within His words is found
the key which opes His secret stairs;
alone with Christ, secluded there ,
we mount our loads and rest in Him.

THE GUIDE -Dawn Finlay

my path lies in obscurity,
through winding ways and on,
and yet I feel security...
this way my guide has gone.
by lonely seas of sorrow, lie
the imprints of His feet;
I sometimes trace them in the dust.
of my own city street.
and if I climb the mountain,
I see the impress, where
among the mountain flowers,
The Master knelt in prayer.

601  OH THOU OF LITTLE FAITH

O thou of little faith,
Bod hath not failed thee yet!
when all looks dark and gloomy,
thou dost so soon forget -

forget that He has led thee,
and gently cleared thy way;
on clouds has poured His sunshine,
and turned thy night to day.

and if He's helped thee hitherto
He will not fail thee now;
how it must wound His loving heart
to see thy anxious brow!

Oh! doubt not any longer,
to Him commit thy way,
whom in the past thou trusted,
and is 'just the same today'.
Author unknown

SUSTAINMENT - Author unknown

if wind or wave swept all away
those things I now hold dear;
if health should flee
and sickness come,

Or loved ones leave me here;
should fortune change
and hardship come,
if dreams should fade away:

if tests and trials
should plague me sore,
and troubles haunt my day;
when all had gone,

this still I know
Christ's love will never leave us,
for when all things have passed away
we still can count on Jesus.

604  I THANK THEE - F.L.Knowles

I thank Thee, Lord, for cloudy weather,
we soon would tire of blue;
I thank Thee, Lord, for Pain, our brother,
whose rude care holds us true.

I thank Thee for the weary morrow,
that makes the past more sweet;
I thank Thee for our sister, Sorrow.
who leads us to Thy feet.

605  THE UPWARD PLACE

He stood aside from his playmates,
his sightless eyes to the sky,
and the cord in his hands was tightly drawn
by the kite that flew so high.
in his big eyes, wondering, beautiful,
on his pale little slender face,
there shone such a rapture, such keen delight,
that someway it seemed out of place.
and I could not forbear to pause and ask,
'My laddie, what pleases you so,
as you hold your kite in the far-off sky,
since its motion you cannot know?

he turned and smiled as he softly said,
and his voice with joy was full,
'I  can't just explain, but it makes me glad,
when I feel that upward pull'.

that Upward Pull; it comes to us
in the weariness of strife.
when we stand bewildered, blinded and hurt,
mid the fall of our cherished dream.
it is good to know that we cannot fail,
if we follow the heavenly gleam.
and never an hour may be so sad,
now ever a sky so dull
but we may, if we will, reach out and find
that God-given, upward Pull.
Helen M. Wilson

I TELL THE KING - Author unknown

once in an Eastern palace wide
a little child sat weaving;
so patiently her task she plied,
the men and women at her side
flocked around her almost grieving.

'How is it, little one', they said,
'you always work so cheerily?
you never seem to break your thread,
or snarl or angle it, instead
of working smooth and clearly'.

I only go and tell the King',
she said, abashed and meekly;
'you know He said, 'In everything'.
'why so do we! they cried. 'We bring
Him all our troubles weekly'.

she turned her little head aside;
a moment let them wrangle;
'ah, but she softly then replied,
'I go and GET THE KNOT UNTIED
AT THE FIRST LITTLE TANGLE!

608  LONGING - Author unknown

I longed to walk along an easy road,
and leave behind the dull routine of home,
thinking in other fields to serve my God;
but Jesus said, 'My time has not yet come'.

I longed to sow the seed in other soil,
to be unfettered in the work and free,
to join with other laborers in their toil;
but Jesus said, ' 'Tis not My choice for thee

I longed to leave the desert, and be led
to work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,
that i might win them;  but the Master said,
'I have not called thee, publish here My name'.

I longed to fight the battles of my King,
loft high his standards in the thickest strife;
but my great Captain bade me wait and sing
songs of His conquests in my quiet life.

I longed to leave the uncongenial sphere,
where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,
to feel I had some human helper near,
But Jesus bade me guard one lonely gate.

I longed to leave the round of daily toil,
where no one seemed to understand or care;
but Jesus said, 'I choose for thee this soil,
that thou might'st raise for Me some blossoms rare'.

and now I have no longing but to do
at home, or else afar, His blessed will,
to work amid the many or the few;
thus, 'choosing not to choose',  my heart is still.

HAST THOU A CLOUD?  Author unknown

Hast thou a cloud?
something that is dark and full of dread;
a messenger of tempest overhead?
a something that is darkening the sky;
a something growing darker bye and bye;
a something that thou fear'st will burst at last;
a cloud that doth a deep, long shadow cast,
God cometh in that cloud.

609  Hast thou a cloud?
it is Jehovah's triumph car:  in this
He rideth to thee, o'er the wide abyss
it is the robe in which He wraps His form;
for He doth gird Him with the flashing storm.
it is the veil in which He hides the light
of His fair face, too dazzling for thy sight.
God cometh in that cloud.

hast thou a cloud?
a trial that is terrible to thee?
a black temptation threatening to see?
a loss of some dear one long thine own?
a mist, a veiling, bringing the unknown?
a mystery that unsubstantial seems:
a cloud between thee and the sun's bright beams?
God cometh in that cloud.

hast thou a cloud?
a sickness - weak old age - distress and death?
these clouds will scatter at thy last faint breath.
fear not the clouds that hover o'er thy barque,
making the harbour's entrance dire and dark;
the cloud of death, though misty, chill and cold,
will yet grow radiant with a fringe of gold.
GOD cometh in that cloud.

I PROMISE THEE - Amy Carmichael

I promise thee
that i, to whom the pillars of the earth belong,
will bear thee up and keep thy spirit strong.

I promise thee
that none shall add a furlong to the mile
that thou must walk, through this long little while.

I promise thee
thy private shadow shall not shadow ever
the path of thy beloved fellow-lover.

I promise thee
thy private shadow shall not shadow ever
the path of thy beloved fellow-lover.

I promise thee
that though it tarry, yet the day will come
then I shall call thee Home.

610  HUSH! - F.R.Havergal

then hush! oh, hush! for the Father knows what thou knowest not,
the need and the thorn and the shadow linked with the fairest lot;
knows the wisest exemption from many an unseen snare,
knows what will keep thee nearest, knows what thou could'st not bear.

Hush! oh, hush! for the Father portioneth as He will,
to all His beloved children and shall they not be still?
is not His will the wisest, is not his choice the best?
and in perfect acquiescence is there not perfect rest?

Hush! oh, hush! for the Rather, whose ways are true and just,
knoweth and careth and loveth, and waits for thy perfect trust;
the cup of He is slowly filling shall soon be full to the brim,
and infinite compensations for ever be found in Him.

THE STORM THRUSH by Mrs C.L. de Cheney

there's a sweet little bird in a far-off isle-
the isle where the shamrocks grow;
and of all the birds in that dear old land,
he's the dearest that I know;
he is dressed in a suit of sober brown,
and a speckled breast has he;
but his eye is bright and his voice is tuned
to heaven's own minstrelsy.
He sits and sings when the sun shines fair
to his mate in her downy nest,
but the topmost twig of the tallest tree
is the place where he sings best!
when the rain pours down and the floods are out,
and the wild winds rage and roar,
then, clear and high, o'er the shrieking gale,
the storm thrush sings the more.

that frail little bird on the swaying twig,
as his clear voice pierced the gales,
dropped a message sweet at my faltering feet,
of a Love that never fails:
though many a storm has crossed my life,
and many a grief and fear;
yet with heart and voice did my soul rejoice,
for my Lord was always near.
so when dark clouds are about YOUR  path,
like the storm thrush, learn to sing;
for from topmost height of a lofty faith
you can always see the King!
and with eyes that gaze on His blessed face,
you never need fear or fail.
the gales may PROVE, but the CANNOT MOVE,
the anchor 'within the vail'.

HE LEADS - N. L. Zinzendorf

He leads us on by paths we did not know;
upward He leads us, though our steps be slow,
though oft we faint and falter on the way,
though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;
yet when the clouds are gone,
we know He leads us on.

He leads us on through all the unquiet years;
past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,
He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze
of losses, sorrows and o'erclouded days;
we know His will is done;
and still He leads us on.

612  TRUST - C.A Fox

O there are heavenly heights to reach
in many a fearful place,
while the poor, timid heir of God
lies languishing for light Divine
that he shall never see
till he goes forward at Thy sign
and trusts himself to Thee.

IT NEVER COMES - Author unknown

Many a stormcloud gathering o'er us
never comes to bring us rain;
many a grief we see before us
never comes to give us pain.

ofttimes in the feared tomorrow
sunshine comes, the cloud is gone;
look not then in foolish sorrow
for the trouble yet to come.

614  I LOOK UP - J. H. Hunt

I look not back - God knows the fruitless effort,
the wasted hours, the sinning and regrets;
i leave them all with Him that blots the record
and graciously forgives and then forgets.

I look not forward, God sees all the future,
the road that short or long, will lead me home;
and he will face with me its every trial,
and bear for me the burden that may come.

I look not 'round me - then would fears assail me,
so wild the tumult of life's restless sea;
so dark the world, so filled with war and evil,
so vain the hope of comfort and of ease.

I look not inward, that would make me wretched,
for i have naught on which to stay my trust;
nothing I see but failures and shortcomings,
and weak endeavors crumbling into dust.

but I look up - into the face of Jesus!
for there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled;
and there is joy and love and light for darkness,
and perfect peace and every hope fulfilled.

THAT'S ALL - Author Unknown

whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth often.
what a comforting thought, all hardness to soften!
quiet it brings to a questioning heart.
'why was it this cruel thing did befall?'
quickly God answers, 'I love you', that's all.

'all things must work for the good of God's lovers'.
like a tree's leafy shade, this Bible word covers
hearts hot with grieving and ready to break.
'why is it grief made this unwelcome call?
softly God answers, 'I love you'. that's all.

'whom the Lord loveth His scourging correcteth'.
as rain coming down on scorched grass, so affecteth
this saying the soul that god's furnace has seared.
'why came on me all these woes that appall'
kindly God answers,  'I love you'. that's all.

615 THE PATH IN THE SKY - Amos R. Wells

the woods were dark and the night was black
and only an owl could see the track;
but the cheery driver made his way
through the great pine woods as if it were day.

I asked him, 'how do you manage to see?
the road and the forest are one to me'.
'to me as well, he replied, 'and I
Can only drive by the path in the sky'.

I looked above, where the tree tops tall
rose from the road, like an ebon wall;
and lo! a beautiful starry lane
wound as the road wound and made it plain.

and since when the path of my life is drear,
and all is blackness and doubt and fear,
when the horrors of midnight are here below
and I see not a step of the way to go,
then, Oh! then, I can look on high
and walk on earth by the light in the sky

616  WALK CLOSE BESIDE ME
Lord, walk close beside me
as I walk the narrow way.
Lord, walk close beside me
and direct my path each day.
Lord, walk close beside me
For I know the tempter's power.
Lord, walk close beside me
every day and every hour.

Lord, walk close beside me
as I walk life's lonely way
Lord, walk close beside me
lest my steps should go astray.
Lord, walk close beside me
till my journey here is done.
Lord, walk close beside me
till my race in life is won.
Roy J. Wilkins

BELIEVE YE THAT I AM ABLE TO DO THIS?
Matthew 9.28  Dawn Finlay

why should I doubt,
when loaves and fish
are multiplied, if so He wish;
when storms are stilled,
if so He willed?
His were the hands that raised the dead,
His was the voice Creation, said;
why should I doubt that He can do
this thing that now I ask Him to?

GOD'S WAYS - Albert C. Stewart

God's way are ways of pleasantness,
and all His paths are peace Prov. 3.17
how often this seems quite untrue
when life's glad songs must cease,
and in their pace come anguished sobs
of grief and bitter tears;
and disappointing pain and loss
that lasts, and lasts, for years

God's ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all His paths are peace.
how often this seems quite untrue
when He grants no release
from circumstances, hard, unjust,
when we had tried to win
His approbation for our lives,
God's ways are ways of pleasantness,
and keep unstained from sin.

God's ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all His paths are peace.
how often this seems quite untrue
as galling wrongs increase
when we supported all trials past,
and thought we saw ahead
a quiet home of peace and rest
toward which our pathway led.

God's ways ARE ways of pleasantness,
and all His paths ARE peace!
they may lead thro' distracting cares,
and trials that increase;
but they lead through all earthly woes,
yes, through earth's saddest night,
and up, in gladness, joy and peace,
to regions of delight.

God's ways ARE ways of pleasantness,
and all His paths ARE peace!
they all lead to that longed-for-land
where anguished sobs are never heard;
where tears are wiped away;
where life holds all that Heaven means;
and lasts, and lasts, for aye. Ps. 16.11

QUIETNESS - Author unknown

'Be still and know that I am God',
that I who made and gave thee life
will lead thy faltering steps aright;
that I who see each sparrow's fall
will hear and heed thy earnest call.
I am God

" Be still and know that I am God,
when aching burdens crush thy heart,
then know I form thee for thy part
and purpose in the plan I hold.
thou art the clay that I would mold.
Trust in God.

'Be still and know that I am God,
who made the atom's tiny span
and set it moving to My plan,
that I who guide the stars above
will guide and keep thee in My love.
Be thou still.

620  WAIT, MY SOUL -Author unknown

wait, my soul, upon the Lord,
to His gracious promise flee,
laying hold upon His Word,
'as thy days thy strength shall be'.

if the sorrows of thy case
seem peculiar still to thee,
God has promised needful grace,
'as thy days thy strength shall be.

days of trial, days of grief,
in succession thou mayst see;
this is still thy sweet relief,
'As thy days thy strength shall be.

Rock of Ages, I'm secure,
with Thy promise full and free;
faithful, positive and sure -
'as thy days thy strength shall be.

HOPE'S SONG - Author unknown

I hear it singing, singing sweetly,
softly in an undertone, -
singing as if God had taught it,
'it is better farther on!

night and day it sings the same song,
sings it while I sit alone,
sings so that the heart may hear it,
'it is better farther on!

sits upon the grave and sings it,
sings it when the heart would groan,
sings it when the shadows darken,
'it is better farther on!

Farther on? Oh, how much farther?
count the milestones one by one -
no, not counting, only trusting,
'It is better farther on!

BE STILL MY HEART - Author unknown

I will commit my way, O Lord, to Thee,
nor doubt Thy love, though dark the way may be,
nor murmur, for the sorrow is from God,
and there is comfort also in Thy rod.

I will not seek to know the future years,
nor cloud today with dark tomorrow's fears;
I will but ask a light from heaven, to show
how, step by step, my pilgrimage should go

and if the distant perils seem to make
the path impossible that I must take,
yet as the river winds through mountains lone,
the way will open up - as I go on.

be still, my heart; for faithful is thy Lord,
and pure and true and tried His Holy word;
through stormy flood that rageth as the sea,
His promises they stepping-stones shall be

621  PEACE  - Jessie Rose Gates

'there is a peace that cometh after sorrow',
of hope surrendered, not of hope fulfilled;
a peace that looketh not upon tomorrow,
but calmly on a tempest that is stilled.

a peace which lives not now in joy's excesses,
nor in the happy life of love secure;
but in the strength the heart possesses
of conflicts won while learning to endure.

a peace there is, in sacrifice secluded;
a life subdued, from will and passion free;
'Tis not the peace which over Eden brooded,
but that which triumphed in Gethsemane.

CHILD OF MY LOVE - Frank J. Exeley

Child of My love, fear not the unknown morrow,
dread not the new demand life makes of thee;
Thy ignorance doth hold no cause for sorrow
since what thou knowest not id known to Me

thou canst not see today the hidden meaning
of My command, but thou the light shalt gain;
walk on in faith, upon My promise leaning,
and as thou goest all shall be made plain.

one step thou seest - then go forward boldly,
one step is far enough for faith to see;
take that and thy next duty shall be told thee,
for step by step they Lord is leading thee.

stand not in fear, thy adversaries counting
dare every peril, save to disobey;
thou shalt march on, all obstacle surmounting,
for I, the Strong, will open up the way.

wherefore go gladly to the task assigned thee,
having My promise, , needing nothing more
than just to know, where'er the future find thee,
in all thy journeying I go before.

622  TRUST - Song of a Bird in a Winter Storm

though the rain may fall and the wind is blowing,
and cold and chill is the wintry blast,
though the cloudy sky is still cloudier growing,
and the dead leaves tell that summer has passed.
my face I hold to the stormy heaven,
my heart is as calm as the summer sea,
glad to receive what God had given,
Whate'er it be.

when I feel the cold I can I can say, 'He sends it',
and His wind blows blessing I surely know,
for I've never a want but that He attends it,
and my heart beats warm though the winds may blow.
the soft sweet summer was warm and glowing
bright were the blossoms on every bough;
I trusted Him when the roses were blowing;  -
I trust Him now.

Small were my faith should it weakly falter,
now that the roses have ceased to grow;
frail were the trust that now should alter,
doubting His love when storm clouds blow.
if I  trust Him once, I must trust Him ever,
and His way is best, though I stand or fall,
through wind and storm,  He will leave me never, -
He sends it all.

why should my heart be faint and fearing?
mighty He rues above the storm;
even the wintry blast is cheering,
showing His power to keep me warm.
never a care on my heart is pressing,
never a fear can disturb my breast,
everything that He sends is blessing,
for He knows best.

WHEN THE STARS ARE GONE - Robert Lewis Stevenson

the stars shine over the mountains, the stars shine over the sea,
the stars look up to the mighty God, the stars look down on me;
the stars shall last for a million years, a million years and a day,
but God and I will live and love when the stars have passed away.

624  - TRUST - Annie Johnson Flint

the little birds trust God, for they go singing
from Northern woods where autumn winds have blown.
with joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
to summer lands of song, afar, unknown

and if He cares for them through wintry weather,
and will not disappoint one little bird,
will He not be as true a heavenly Father
to every soul who trusts His holy word:

Let us go singing then, and not go sighing
since we are sure our times are in His hand.
why should we weep and fear ad call it dying? -
'Tis only flitting to a Summer land!

WHAT OF THAT - Author unknown

Dark! well what of that?
didst fondly dream the sun would never set?
dost fear to lose thy way? take courage yet!
learn thou to walk by faith and not by sight
thy steps will guided by, and guided right.

Lonely! and what of that?
some must be lonely. 'Tis not given to all
to feel a heart responsive rise and fall,
to blend another life into his own;
work may be done in loneliness; work on!

No help! Nay, it's not so!
though human help be far, they God is nigh;
who feeds the ravens, hears His children's cry;
He's near thee, wheresoe'er the footsteps roam,
and He will guide thee, light thee, help thee home.

625  I WILL TAKE THY HAND - Author unknown

the way is dark, My child! but leads to light:
I would not always have thee walk by sight.
My dealings now thou canst not understand,
I meant it so; but I will take they hand.

the day goes fast, My child! but is the nigh
darker to Me than day? in Me is light!
keep close to Me, and every spectral band
of fears shall vanish. I will take thy hand.

the way is long, My child! but it shall be
not one step longer than is best for thee;
and thou shalt know, at last, when thou shalt stand
safe at the goal, how I did take thy hand.

SONGS IN THE NIGHT - J. Lyall

 My songs have been the songs of the daylight,
of the sunshine of His face,
of the hours of blest communion,
and the wonders of His grace.

in my song has been unremembered
the touch of His hand in my plight.
Oh! how easy to sing in the sunshine -
He alone can give songs in the night.

the weight of an awful darkness,
hung over my soul like a pall (def. - something that overspreads..like darkness)
and everything round me seemed blackness -
no help but to struggle and fall.

but treasures are found in the darkness,
and riches are hidden in store;
and sorrow oft gibes us a song o sing,
unknown to us heretofore.

our God gives us songs in the midnight,
when our feet are held fast in the stocks;
and sends with the praises He giveth,
the unloosing of bars and locks.

626  KNOW THAT I AM GOD -Lon Woodrum

of all the words that have been borne
from ancient sea or distant sod;
these are the 8 that shine as stars:

626  BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.

BE STILL-. there is storm of noise
that beats from every plain and hill;
but I have found the blessedness
of peace that comes from being still!

BE STILL AND KNOW- the earth is full
of theories; but i seek to find
the never-failing wisdom from
the fountain of Eternal Mind.

in meditation gleams the way
of truth and peace and love and good!
there are 8 words to save the world:
BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

GO KNOWETH BEST - Emily Donaghy

sometimes God, who knoweth best,
gives us joy and peace and rest,
sometimes days glide swiftly by
filled with sunshine from on high.

sometimes god, who knoweth best,
sends us sorrow as a test,
sometimes he doth wound a heart
greater sweetness to impart.

Oft a heart bowed down in grief
looks to Jesus for relief,
seeks the Saviour's loving care,
learns to have more faith in pray'r

well we know whate'er betide,
if we let the Spirit guide,
will but prove God knoweth best,
then fear not, though hard to test.

so we leave in His dear hand
all we cannot understand,
while our God with heart of love
leads His own to heights above.

RISE, MY SOUL - Robert Seagrave

Rise, my soul and stretch thy wings,
thy better portion trace;
rise from transitory things
toward heaven they destined place.
sun and moon and stars decay,
time shall soon this earth remove;
rise, my soul, and haste away
to seats prepared above.

rivers to the ocean run,
nor stay in all their course;
fire ascending seeks the sun;
both speed them to their source
so my soul, derived from God,
longs to view His glorious face,
forward tends to His abode,
to rest in His embrace.

cease my soul, then, cease to mourn,
press onward to the prize;
soon the saviour will return
triumphant in the skies:
yet a season, and we know
happy entrance will be given,
all our sorrows let below,
and earth exchanged for heaven

627  'HE CARETH' - I Peter 5.7  Author unknown

what can it mean?  is it aught to Him
that the nights are long and the days are dim?
can He be touched by the griefs I bear,
which sadden the heart and whiten the hair?
around His throne are eternal calms,
and glad, strong music of happy psalms,
and bliss unruffled by any strife,
how can he care for my little life?

and yet I want Him to care for me
while I live in this world where the sorrows be;
when the lights are down from the path I take;
when strength is feeble and friends forsake;
when love and music that once did bless
have left me to silence and loneliness;
and my life-song changes to sobbing prayers,
when my heart cries out for a God who cares.

when shadows hang o'er me the whole day long,
and my spirit is bowed 'neath shame and wrong;
when I am not good and the deepening shade
of conscious sin makes y heart afraid;
and the busy world has too much to do
to stay in its course to help me through;
and I long for a saviour - Can it be
that the God of the universe cars for me.

Oh, the wonderful story of deathless love!
each child is dear to that heart above;
He fights for me when I cannot fight,
He comforts me in the gloom of night,
He lifts the burden for He is strong,
He stills the sigh and awakens the dong;
the burdens that bow me down He bears,
and loves and pities because he cares.

Oh, all that are sad, take heart again!
you are not alone in your hour of pain;
the Father stoops from His throne above
to soothe and comfort us with His love.
He leaves us not when the storm beats high,
and we have safety, for He is nigh.
can it be trouble  when He doth share?
Oh, rest in peace, for your Lord does care!

628  RIVER OF LIFE -Elayne Tedder

'Please, may I hold Your hand, dear Lord?
there's a river of life that i must ford.
the way is hard and the road is steep .
I'll need some help through the waters deep'.

I took God's hand and on we went,
but I slipped and fell 'ere the day was spent.
we tried again but it didn't work.
I lost my grasp and was often hurt.

Once more I called on the Lord for help.
I had failed in my tries to save myself.
'Dear Lord', I cried, 'You understand.
this time YOU better hold MY hand.

CHRIST'S INVITATION - Author unknown

Oh, sweetest invitation this sin-worn earth hath known,
in yearning supplication the Lord calls back His own;
from toil and grief and failure, from strivings all unblest,
'Come, weary, heavy laden, and I will give you rest!'

was ever such appealing from such a suppliant heard?
love infinite, revealing, in one majestic word:
the mighty heart of Jesus in tenderness expressed -
'Come unto Me, ye weary, and I will give you rest!'

not only as a guerdon (def - reward again) for lifelong labor done,
but in the heat and burden, this blessedness is won -
I offer rest at noontide and ease when foes molest;
'Come take My yoke upon you and I will give you rest.

from hopes that fail and falter amidst the crowding years,
from friends that change and falter when pleasure disappears;
from plans and projects broken and birthrights unpossessed -
'Come, weary, heavy laden, and I will you give you rest'.

when life's last voices calling are hushed at close of day,
when dews of death are falling and strength has passed away,
Oh, heirs of many mansions, made free among the blest -
'Come unto Me forever and I will give you rest.

629  GOD'S PLOW OF SORROW

God's plow of sorrow! sterile is
the field that is not turned thereby;
and but a scanty harvest his
whom the great Plowman passeth by.

God's plow of sorrow! all in vain
His richest seed bestrews the sod;
and spent for naught the sun and rain
on globes that are not plowed of God
He ploweth well, He ploweth deep,
and where He ploweth, angels reap.

God's plow of sorrow! gentle child,
I do not ask that He may spare
thy tender soul, though undefiled,
not turn it with His iron share;
be thine His after rain of love,

and where His heavy plow hath passed
may mellow furrows bear above
a holier harvest at the last!
He ploweth well, He ploweth deep,
and where He ploweth, angels reap.

God's plow of sorrow! do not think
Oh, careless soul, that thou shalt lack.

God is afield, He will not shrink -
God is afield, He turns not back.
deep driven, shall the iron be sent
through all thy fallow fields, until
the stubborn elements relent
and lo, the Plowman hath His will!
He ploweth well, He ploweth deep,
and where He ploweth, angels reap.
Robert Clarkson Tongue

AFTER - Oswald J. Smith

after the winter, so cold and so drear,
cometh the springtime with gladness and cheer;
after the shadows have all passed away,
sunshine will follow in God's perfect day.

after the sorrow, the grief and the loss,
after the anguish and shame of the cross;
after the darkness, the conflict and strife
cometh the joy of victorious life.

after the heart has been robbed of it love,
God in great goodness His mercy will prove;
after the loneliness, after the night
teardrops will vanish and faith turn to sight.

after the flowers have all withered and died
hope will yet linger whatever betide,
life cannot perish, God's word is still true,
what He has promised He surely will do.

630  HOW COULD I FACE THE FUTURE

how could I face the future
were Christ not real to me,
with stormy clouds appearing
on land, in air and sea?
though I know not the meaning
of all mine eyes can see,
I know God's ways eternal
are always best for me.

the darkness may grow darker,
but i shall know no fear,
for Christ my Lord is with me,
His presence is so near.
my heart shall not be troubled
with all the stress and strife,
for God has oft assured me,
in Him is all my life.

the foe would have me frightened
with what may soon take place;
but I shall hide in Jesus,
and trust His saving grace.
and so through all the journey,
my hope in Him is stayed;
my heart will not be troubled,
nor will it be afraid.
Alma Hoellein

GOD USES BROKEN THINGS - Eva Gray

it takes the broken soil to grow
and ripen fields of grain;
and overspreading broken clouds
to give refreshing rain.
'tis broken grain that gives us bread;
and broken bread that gives
us strength for every moment, hour;
by broken things man lives.
a broken spirit, contrite heart,
our God will ne'er despise;
for pleasing are these things to him,
therein repentance lies.
it was the alabaster box
as broken, emptied, poured
a fragrant, rich and rare perfume
anointing Christ, our Lord.
it was the heart of Him who died
upon Mount Calvary;
as broken, bleeding thereupon,
that ransomed even me.

GRACE SUFFICIENT

friend, never give up;
the day may be long;
the hill may be steep;
the enemy strong.

but you have been promised, 
abundant and free,
God's wonderful grace,
sufficient for thee.

then take it, my friend;
drink deep of the cup,
His grace is sufficient,
so never give up.
Charles E.  Bayley

631  WHY THEN SO FEARFUL

fear is faith in Satan
faith is fearing God.
ever see it that way?
does look rather odd.

fear says, 'God may fail me'.
faith knows He keeps His Word;
'hitherto the Lord hath helped us';
doubting now would be absurd.

'He careth for the sparrow'.
and are ye not more than these?
why are ye then so fearful?
stay longer on your knees.

dismiss your doubts and feelings,
'stand still' and see it through:
and the God who fed Elijah
will do the same for you.
Author unknown

MY PRESENCE SHALL GO WITH THEE

My presence shall go with thee -
so calm thy troubled fears;
my promise is unchanging
throughout the changeful years.
'Mid scenes of gloom or gladness,
when weary or distressed,
My presence shall go with thee -
most blest assurance here,
while in this lower valley
beset by doubt and fear.
no evil shall befall thee,
close sheltered to My breast;
My presence shall go with thee,
and I will give thee rest.
My presence shall go with thee -
though in a foreign land;
afar from home and kindred
 this covenant shall stand.
nor time, not space can sever,
love knows not East or West;
my presence shall go with thee,
and I will give thee rest.
H. Isabel Graham

HATH THOU CONSIDERED JOB'S WIFE?

'curse God, and die, Job's wife advised,
her heart o'erwhelmed with strife
when trouble came
whom did she blame?
'Curse God and end your life.

in bitterness of soul she spoke,
with grief her breast was filled.
mother bereft -
no children left.
all 10 the storm had killed.

her home and luxuries were gone.
she placed the blame on God.
she did not know
while here below
we need His chast'ning rod

impatient with her patient Job,
resentful of this trust.
though robbed of health
and all his wealth
yet love his God he must.

'Trust God and live through good and ill, '
Job taught this fretful wife.
he passed the test.
she, too, was blessed
through his victorious life.

God gave to them 10 children more,
Job's health and wealth restored.
his patient life
convinced his wife
'twas best to trust the Lord.
Esther Archibald

632  ONE DAY AT A TIME - Annie Johnson Flint

one day at a time, with its failures and fears,
with its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
with its portion of pain and its burden of care;
one day at a time we must meet and must bear.

one day at a time to be patient and strong,
to be calm under trial and sweet under wrong;
then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;
it shall darken and die and the night shall bring peace.

one day at a time - but the day is so long,
and the heart is not brave and the soul is not strong,
O Thou pitiful Christ, e Thou near all the way;
give courage and patience and strength for the day.

swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;
'yea, I will be with thee, they troubles to meet;
I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve;
I will not forsake; I never will leave.'.

not yesterday's load we are called on to bear,
nor the morrow's uncertain and shadowy care;
why should we look forward or back with dismay?
our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

one day at a time, and the day is His day;
he hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient, we walk not alone;
as the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

MY FATHER CARES - Mabel E. Brown

my Father cares. He cares for me,
should I then ever careful be?
what if the way to me looks dark,
has it not all by Him been marked?
and will He not give grace to me,
to walk in it, whate'er it be?
He knows my weakness, knows my need,
knows every thought and word and deed,
knows all my longings and desires,
Oh, yes, He knows, but more He cares.
he cares, God cares, how grand the thought
633  in all my life that there is not
one detail not observed by Him!
 surely my cup o'erflows the brim,
Goodness and Mercy, all my days,
shall follow me. to Him be praise!
He makes all things work for my good.
Oh may I trust Him as I should!
my Father KNOWS,  He LOVES,  He, CARES,
my Rather hears and answers prayers.
though iron gates my way doth block,
at His command,  it will unlock.
no matter what my sight may dim,
I always have recourse to Him.
and, with Him, all my care will cease,
and He will fill me with His peace,
and conscious knowledge of His love,
which day to day, to me He'll prove.
my wants I will make known in prayer,
then trust a loving Father's care.
His power, so great, His love, so strong,
will fill my soul with endless song.

OPPORTUNITY - W. Audrey P. Good

yesterday, I dreamed of tomorrow:
in it I saw completion of little tasks;
little duties, needing but an idle minute's gift of time.

I listened, in this dream of mine,
and I heard the sweet piping of tree-top carolers
piping music grand enough
to make these routine cares, a joy.

and also, in this dream of mine,
I felt the peace of work well done,
accomplished in those fleeting moments
when hand and heart were stirred by garden harmony.

my dream of yesterday faded:
'twas then I realized and knew,
that yesterday's tomorrow was today,
and I, this hour, could make my dream come true.

634  THE FUTURE -Edward Cane

I know not what the future holds,
no, not one single hour.
but I know One who knoweth well,
and has it in His power.
the universe is all His own
for all eternity
He fashioned all its law in love,
by grace He shares with me.

now He who all the future holds
knows what will be today,
so i can place my hand in His
and walk with Him, His way.
the things confronting all the world
are dark as blackest night;
yet in the Christ who is the way
there is a shining light.

I thank my God that by His grace
there is no need to fear,
for, howsoever dark the way,
my Lord is always near.
because I trusted in the Blood
poured out on Calvary,
in Him my future is secure
for all eternity.
Edward Cane

FRET NOT THYSELF - Ps. 37.1

far in the future
lieth a fear,
like a long, low mist of grey,
gathering to fall in dreary rain,
thus doth thy heart within thee complain;
and even now thou art afraid, for round thy dwelling
the flying winds are ever telling
of the fear that lieth grey,
like a gloom of brooding mist upon the way.

but the Lord is always kind,
be not blind,
to the shining of His face,
to the comforts of His grace.
hath He ever failed thee yet?
never, never: wherefore fret
O fret not thyself, nor let
Thy heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
Amy Carmichael

THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS -  Gerhardt Tersteegen

the evening comes, the sun is sunk and gone,
and all things lie in stillness and in rest;
and thou, my soul, for thee one rest alone
remaineth ever, on the Father's breast.

the wanderer rests at last each weary limb;
birds to their nests return from health and hill;
the sheep are gathered from the pastures dim -
in Thee, my God, my restless heart is still.

Lord, gather from the regions dim and far
desires and thoughts that wandered far from Thee:
to home and rest lead on, O guiding Star.
no other home or nest but God for me.

635  the daily toil of this worn body done,
the spirit for untiring work is strong;
still hours of worship and of love begun,
of blessed vision and eternal song.

in darkness and in silence still and sweet
with blessed awe my spirit feels Thee near;
within the Holiest, worships at Thy feet:
speak Thou and silence all my soul to hear.

to Thee my heart as incense shall arise;
consumed upon thine altar all my will;
Love, Praise, and Peace, an evening sacrifice,
and in the Lord I rest and I am still. 

HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE -Author unknown

my Father's way may twist and turn,
my heart may throb and ache,
but in my soul I'm glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.

my cherished plans may go astray
my hopes may fade away,
but still I'll trust my Lord to lead
for He doth know the way.

though night be dark and it may seem
that day will never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him.
He maketh no mistake.

there's so much now I cannot see,
my eyesight's far too dim;
but come what may, I'll surely trust
and leave it all to Him.

for by and by the mist will lift
and plain it all He'll make
through all the way, tho' dark to me,
He made not one mistake.

O LONELY HEART

O lonely heart and sad,
look up, look up, be glad;
the night will soon be past,
the morn will come at last.
the sorrows of thy soul
on Christ the Saviour roll;
His love can never fail
no matter what assail.

O hungry heart, be still, God's will can ne'er be ill;
trust Him and thou shalt see
His plan was best for thee,
thou shalt be satisfied
no matter what betide;
no good will He withhold,
His love can ne'er be told.

O aching heart, rejoice,
it is thy Saviour's voice;
He fills the vacancy
and comes to sup with thee.
He cares, thy Father cares,
and every heartache shares;
take courage then and prove
the greatness of His love.
Oswald J. Smith

636  WHY SHOULD I FEAR?

I will trust Him, yea, I will trust,
for He never hath failed me yet,
and never a day nor an hour,
but mine uttermost need is met.
though I dwell in the midst of foes,
yet there is my table spread,
and His presence wraps me round
and His wings are o'er my head.
Father and infinite God,
my refuge and Fortress Rock,
where I hide from the tempest's wrath,
and feel not the earthquake shock;
so I abide with a soul serene,
and a heart that is undismayed,
he is my strength and my shield;
of whom shall I  be afraid?

I will not be afraid, for I know
that He keepeth me safe from harm,
and He shall defend His own
with a strong and a stretched-out arm;
though I grope in perilous paths
in darkness and danger and doubt,
I know as He brought me in,
so He surely will bring me out.

for the God I serve today,
is one with the God of old;
still does He guide my steps,
and still doth His hand uphold.
He giveth me rest from fear,
for on Him my mind is stayed,
He is the strength of my life;
of what shall I be afraid?

I will trust and not be afraid.
I have seen, I have heard, I have known,
this mighty and terrible God,
hath called me and made me His won.
Dread not! Faint not! He hath said
for the battle belongs to me,
go forth with a song of praise,
and My victory thou shalt see'.
and were I go, He will go,
and He knoweth the way I take;
He is with me unto the end,
and He will not fail nor forsake;
they that trust in the Lord
shall never be moved nor swayed.
'Rear not!'  He hath said unto me,
and why should I be afraid?
Annie Johnson Flint

STILL WILL I TRUST - Isaiah 41.10

still will I trust, though all my hopes lie shattered
in broken fragments at my feet;
though all my plans, like driven leaves, are scattered
by winds of darkness and defeat.
for in my need I hear my Savior saying,
in answer to my pleading and my praying,
'I am thy God, be not afraid,
I will be near; be not dismayed'.

yea, in the deepest shadows of death's valley,
where sorrows circle me around;
when all the powers of darkness seem to rally,
and scarce a ray of light is found; 

637  then will I trust in Christ with great rejoicing,
in Him who once again His love is voicing -
'I am they God, be not afraid,
I will be near; be not dismayed'.

so will I walk with Christ, in faith believing,
with child-like trust, whate'er betide;
and from His hand His strength and love receiving,
as in His presence I abide.
thus shall I journey on to His glad morrow,
where I shall hear Him say, 'Lay down they sorrow,
come dwell with Me in realms above,
where all is light and life and love'.

THE BETTER WAY - Author unknown

God never would send you the darkness
if He thought you could bear the light;
but you would not cling to His guiding hand,
if the way were always bright;
and you would  not care to walk by faith
could you always walk by sight.

'tis true He has many an anguish
for your sorrowing heart to bear,
and many a cruel thorn crown
for your tired head to wear;
He knows how few would reach Heaven at all
if pain did not guide them there.

so He sends you the blinding darkness,
and the furnace of sevenfold heat;
'tis the only way, believe me,
to keep you close to His feet,
for 'tis always so easy to wander
when our lives are glad and sweet.

then nestle your hand in your Father's,
and sing if you can, as you go,
your song may cheer someone behind you
whose courage is sinking low;
and, well, well if your lips do quiver
God will love you better so.

638  GOD'S WAYS AND MINE -  Grace Canfield Halladay

two bonny pilgrims of the air - a songbird and his wife,
(a pair untouched by time they seemed - unlearned in ways of life)
came to my home - the welcome guests - one sunny day of spring,
hunting a place where they might build and rear their young and sing.

the chosen spot soon proved to be within my spouted eave!
how subtle is the serpent's power the guileless to deceive!
persistently they labored there from dawn till set of sun,
when loving my hand destroyed the home they had begun.

and then it was with fallen crests and spirit s truly broke,
they sought a safe, a high retreat within a sturdy oak;
yet, I believe, they saw no love, no wisdom in my hand -
that why they had been dealt with thus , they failed to understand.

God's ways and mine! His thoughts and mine! our plans,  how far apart!
the wisdom of His hand corrects the errors of my heart!
my sight and His! throughout a day, an hour I cannot see,
for me He views, with loving care, a vast eternity!

and this I know, that crosses raise, that sorrow lifts me high
above the storm-swept caves of earth to 'mansions in the sky'.
with others I, at last, have learned to trust Him for His grace,
behind a 'frowning Providence' to find 'His smiling face'.

and when His ways I cannot trace, I've learned to trust Him still-
and to submit this will of mine to His unerring will!
then, when 'that which is perfect' comes - the faulty 'cone away'
I shall no longer 'know in part' - I'll understand - some day!

FEAR NOT - Author unknown (au)

the landscape, brown and sere beneath the sun,
needs but the cloud to lift it into life;
the dews may damp the leaves of tree and flower,
but it requires the cloud-Distilled shower
to bring rich verdure to the lifeless life.

ah, how like this, the landscape of a life:
dews of trial fall like incense, rich and sweet;
but bring little in the crystal tray -
like nymphs of night, dews lift at break of day
and transient impress leave, like lips that meet.

639  but clouds of trials, bearing burdens rare,
leave in the soul, a moisture settled deep
life kindles by the magic law of God;
and where before the thirsty camel trod,
there richest beauties to life's landscape leap.

then read thou in each cloud that comes to thee
the words of Paul, in letters large and clear:
so shall those clouds thy soul with blessing feed,
and with a constant trust as thou dost read,
all things together work for good, fret not, now fear!

DAY AND NIGHT ARE THINE -  au

the day is Thine -
the long bright summer day
from the first dawning till evening closes,
and all its merry birds and blooing roses,
and all its golden beauty bids us say
the day, O Lord, is Thine!

 and life's brief day
is also thine, when we
must work, while light doth last, for our dear Master.
Oh, that our sluggish feet could travel faster,
and we with readier service give to Thee
our life's fast-fleeting day!

the night is thine -
the long, dark winter's night,
hushing our birds to sleep, our flowers concealing;
but, by its host of glowing stars, revealing
through the deep sky, Thy glory and Thy might;
the night, O Lord, is Thine!

That darker night
is also Thine, o Lord,
when Thou sweet sleep to Thy beloved givest,
for while they needs must sleep, Thou ever livest,
and o'er Thy dear ones keepest watch and ward,

Till darkness ends in light.

640  BY CANDLELIGHT - Lorie C. Gooding

O Lord,  I cried, the shadows are deep,
and my journey is only begun
I cannot walk all the way in the dark;
give me the light of the sun.
Thou canst give me light, for all light is Thine.
then I waited in hope, but the sun did not shine.

O Lord, I said,  Thou art God of Light.
they glory no shadow mars.
but I am alone in the darkenss here;
Give me the light of the stars.
for the stars, like the sun and the moon are Thine.
then I waited in hope, but the stars did not shine.

O Lord, I said, if it be Thy will
I will walk all tghe way in the night.
then He answered, 'Impetuous child, be still;
they walk is by faith, not by sight.
Yet I give thee a candle called patience.
Light it and walk by its light.

CONTENT WITH THEE - Amy Carmichael

Thou hast not That, My child, but thou hast Me.
and am not I alone enough for thee?
I know it all, know how thy heart was set
upon this joy which is not given yet.

and well I know how through the wistful days
thou walkest all the dear familiar ways,
as unregarded as a breath of air,
but there is love and longing, always there.

I know it all; but from thy briar shall blow
 a rose for others.  if it were not so
I would have told thee come, then, say to Me
My Lord, my Love, I am content with Thee.

641  TRUST - au

the clouds hang heavy around my way,
but through the darkness i believe
God leadeth me.
'Tis sweet tokeep my hand in His
while all is dim,
to close my weary, aching eyes
and follow Him.

through many a thorny path He leads
my tired feet,
through many a path of tears I go,
but it is sweet
to know that He is close to me
my Guard, my Guide;
He leadeth me; and so I walk
quite satisfied.

WHY FEAR?  au

God is Before me, He will be my guide;
God is Behind me, no ill can betide;
God is Beside me to comfort and cheer;
God is Around me, so why should I fear?

642  AFRAID? - Esther P. Moore

Afraid?
why should I be afraid?
the path I choose is but to follow Thee.
if I am blind -
the things that are not seen, dear Lord, I see.
if I am deaf -
Lord, Thou dost put within my heart a song.
if I am lame -
Thy had is there to lead me safe along.

Afraid?
why should I be afraid?
today new sorrows come I know not why,
but Thou dost lead me oft o'er mountains high,
and valleys deep, I cannot understand.
i only walk the way that Thou hast planned.

Afraid?
why should I be afraid?
 the world shakes and the powers of darkness rise
to paint a threat of doom across the skies. 
I do not know, dear Lord, just when that hour shall be
I only know that I am safe because I walk with Thee.

I NEEDED THE QUIET - Alice Hansche Mortenson

I needed the quiet, so He took me aside,
into the shadows where we could confide;
away from the bustle, where all the day long
I hurried and worried,  when active and strong.
I needed the quiet, though at first I rebelled,
but gently, so gently, my cross He upheld,
and whispered so sweetly of spiritual things,
though weakened in body, my spirit took wings.

to heights never dreamed of when active and gay,
He loved me so greatly, He drew me away.
I needed the quiet, no prison my bed -
but a beautiful valley of blessing instead,
a place to grow richers,  in Jesus to hide.
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside. 

643  BE STILL - au
Be still! just now be still!
something thy soul hath never heard,
something unknown to any song of bird,
something  unknown to any wind, or wave, or star,
a message from the Fatherland afar,
that with sweet joy the homesick soul shall thrill,
cometh to thee if thou canst but be still.

Be Still! Just now be still!
there comes a presence very mild and sweet,
white are the sandals of His noiseless feet.
it is the Comforter whom Jesus sent
to teach thee what the words He uttered meat.
the willing, waiting spirit He doth fill.
if thou wouldst hear His message,
dear soul, be still!

MY BOY AND HIS SAVIOUR - William C. Fisher

they walked along together side by side,
my boy and his Saviour, Shepherd and Guide.
one day they dept walking straight ahead
into God's country. they said he was dead.

they were mistaken. God couldn't lie.
the soul that beliveth shall never die.
myboy has gone home to be with his God;
his soul was not buried under the sod.

the bliss that is his will be ours someday,
if we walk with the Saviour the selfsame way.
and one day they will say that we too are dead,
when into God's country we've walked straight ahead.

TRUST - Betsy Kline

sure, it takes a lot of courage
to put things in God's hands,
to give ourselves completely,
Our lives, our hopes, our plans;

to follow where He leads us
and make His will our own,
but all it takes is foolishness
to go the way alone.

644  SECOND BENIFIT - Mary Ferguson

O Hallelujah!  - now I see
this gracious gift was meant for me.
a witness clear and plainly given
Cleansed for service, filled for Heaven
A heart that's clean, my joy complete
while tarrying at the mercy seat

Yes - fully yielded, dobly blest,
for such as I, remains a rst!
this life shall sound with holy tonek,
and will be lived for God alone!
Ah, spirit tide, (def - current, tendency, drift) ,  Thy workd complete,
while tarrying at the mercy seat!

LEARNED TO TRUST - William Cowper

I have no answer for myself or thee,
save that I learned beside my mother's knee:
'Aoo is of God that is and is to be;
and God is good. let this suffice us still,
resting in childlike trust upon His will
who moves to His great ends unthwarted by the ill.

WHAT IF - au

what if your way is stormy
as you travel on life's road;
what if your path is thorny,
and your back is bent with its load?
what if your way is dark as night
what if your soul is weary,
and there seems to be no light?

there's One who knows your sorrows,
Who's acquainted with all your grief.
He knows your path for tomorrow,
and will surely bring relief.
your back for you He'll lighten,
He knows your every care;
your way He'll bless and brighten,
if you go to Him in prayer.

what if He sometimes chastens,
it proves His love for you;
He may not always hasten,
but He'll surely see you through.
for we know there is no other. who'll be with us to the end;
so trust your all, my brother
to this never failing Friend.