Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul Part 106

The old, old story, yet I kneel To tell it at thy call; And cares grow lighter as I feel That Jesus knows them all.

Yes, all! The morning and the night, The joy, the grief, the loss, The roughened path, the sunbeam bright, The hourly thorn and cross--

Thou knowest all; I lean my head, My weary eyelids close, Content and glad awhile to tread This path, since Jesus knows!

And he has loved me! All my heart With answering love is stirred, And every anguished pain and smart Finds healing in the Word.

So here I lay me down to rest, As nightly shadows fall, And lean, confiding, on his breast, Who knows and pities all!

If to Jesus for relief My soul has fled by prayer, Why should I give way to grief Or heart-consuming care?

While I know his providence Disposes each event Shall I judge by feeble sense, And yield to discontent?

Sparrows if he kindly feed, And verdure clothe in rich array.

Can he see a child in need, And turn his eyes away?

HE NEVER FORGETS

Nay, nay, do not tell me that G.o.d will not hear me.

I know he is high over all, Yet I know just as well that he always is near me And never forgets me at all.

He shows not his face, for its glory would blind me, Yet I walk on my way unafraid; Though lost in the desert He surely would find me His angels would come to my aid.

He sits on his throne in the wonderful city, And I--I am ashes and dust!

Yet I am at rest in His wonderful pity, And I in his promises trust.

He lighteth the stars, and they shine in their places; He maketh his sun like a flame; But better and brighter to Him are the faces Of mortals that call on his name.

Nay, nay! do not tell me that, wrapped in his glory.

He hears not my voice when I cry; He made me! He loves me! He knows all my story!

I shall look on his face by and by!

THE SURE REFUGE

O I know the Hand that is guiding me Through the shadow to the light; And I know that all betiding me Is meted out aright.

I know that the th.o.r.n.y path I tread Is ruled with a golden line; And I know that the darker life's tangled thread The brighter the rich design.

When faints and fails each wilderness hope, And the lamp of faith burns dim, O! I know where to find the honey drop On the bitter chalice brim.

For I see, though veiled from my mortal sight, G.o.d's plan is all complete; Though the darkness at present be not light, And the bitter be not sweet.

I can wait till the dayspring shall overflow The night of pain and care; For I know there's a blessing for every woe, A promise for every prayer.

Yes, I feel that the Hand which is holding me Will ever hold me fast; And the strength of the arms that are folding me Will keep me to the last.

FOLLOWING

As G.o.d leads me will I go, Nor choose my way.

Let him choose the joy or woe Of every day; They cannot hurt my soul, Because in his control; I leave to him the whole-- His children may.

As G.o.d leads me I am still Within his hand; Though his purpose my self-will Doth oft withstand; Yet I wish that none But his will be done Till the end be won That he hath planned.

As G.o.d leads I am content; He will take care!

All things by his will are sent That I must bear; To him I take my fear, My wishes, while I'm here; The way will all seem clear, When I am there!

As G.o.d leads me it is mine To follow him; Soon all shall wonderfully shine Which now seems dim.

Fulfilled be his decree!

What he shall choose for me That shall my portion be, Up to the brim!

As G.o.d leads me so my heart In faith shall rest.

No grief nor fear my soul shall part From Jesus' breast.

In sweet belief I know What way my life doth go-- Since G.o.d permitteth so-- That must be best.

--L. Ged.i.c.ke.

"YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWETH"

There are two words of light divine That fall upon this heart of mine, That thrill me in the hour of gain, That still me in the hour of pain: Two words endued with magic power, Sufficient unto any hour-- He knows.

As summer breezes, cool and sweet, Bring rest, relief from toil and heat; As showers, needed as they fall, Renew, refresh and comfort all; So to my feverish heart is given This loving message, fresh from heaven: He knows.

My fainting heart finds strength in this, My hungry heart here seeks its bliss; Here angry billows never surge, Here death can never sing its dirge; My rising fears, with murmuring fraught, Find sudden calm beneath this thought: He knows.

O lullaby for children grown!

O nectar sweet for lips that moan!

O balm to stricken hearts oppressed!

O pillow where worn heads may rest!

All joy, all comfort in thee meet, O blessed words, surpa.s.sing sweet, He knows.

FEAR NOT

Don't you trouble trouble Till trouble troubles you.

Don't you look for trouble; Let trouble look for you.

Don't you borrow sorrow; You'll surely have your share.

He who dreams of sorrow Will find that sorrow's there.

Don't you hurry worry By worrying lest it come.

To flurry is to worry, 'Twill miss you if you're mum.

If care you've got to carry Wait till 'tis at the door; For he who runs to meet it Takes up the load before.

If minding will not mend it, Then better not to mind; The best thing is to end it-- Just leave it all behind.

Who feareth hath forsaken The Heavenly Father's side; What he hath undertaken He surely will provide.

The very birds reprove thee With all their happy song; The very flowers teach thee That fretting is a wrong.