Himself

by A. B. Simpson

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;

Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.

Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;

Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

Dear Father...I am completely depending on you now. I need you to save me, to heal me. I know how you can work through those who have nothing, and that's what I'm feeling now. I feel I have close to nothing, and I know only you can satisfy my longings. I'm trusting in you for this, and ask that you will reach your arms out to me and hold me...comfort me. Help me to be able to rejoice in you the way this writer has, and that my joy can be restored in you. I know I'm not deserving of this...I know I've upset you time and time again and I'm sorry. Please save me from myself....please bring me to you. I despise this world more each day, and eagerly await to see you. Bring that day sooner to me, Lord....