His Love and Care

Verse 1

I bow my forehead to the dust, I veil mine eyes for shame, And urge, in trembling self-distrust, A prayer without a claim.

Verse 2

No offering of my own I have, Nor works my faith to prove; I can but give the gifts He gave, And plead His love for love.

Verse 3

I dimly guess, from blessings known, Of greater out of sight; And, with the chastened Psalmist, own His judgments too are right.

Verse 4

And if my heart and flesh are weak To bear an untried pain, The bruisèd reed He will not break, But strengthen and sustain.

Verse 5

I know not what the future hath Of marvel or surprise, Assured alone that life and death His mercy underlies.

Verse 6

And so beside the silent sea I wait the muffled oar: No harm from Him can come to me On ocean or on shore.

Verse 7

I know not where His islands lift Their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and care.

Verse 8

And Thou, O Lord, by whom are seen Thy creatures as they be, Forgive me if too close I lean My human heart on Thee. Amen.