MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come,
I do not fear to see;
But I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I ask Thee for a thankful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And to wipe the weeping eyes,
And a heart at leisure from itself.
To soothe and sympathise.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro.
Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be dealt with as a child.
And guided where to go.

Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoe’er estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts.
To keep and cultivate.
And a work of holy love to do
For the Lord on whom I wait.

I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied;
And a mind to blend with outward life,
While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask
In my cup of blessing be,
I would have my spirit filled the more
With grateful love to Thee —
More careful than to serve Thee much,
To please Thee perfectly.

There are briers besetting every path,
That call for patient care;
There is a crook in every lot.
And a need for earnest prayer;
But a lowly heart that leans on Thee
Is happy everywhere.

In a service that Thy love appoints.
There are no bonds for me.
For my secret heart is taught the truth
That makes Thy children “free;”
And a life of self-renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.

Psalm 31:15