Questions & Answers
There is a tale of olden Bible days, That selfless valor's just award portrays. Tis told, with every entrance closely barred To his ancestral town by foes on guard, That in the heart of David longing woke, And, stirred by joys recalled, this wish he spoke: Oh, that someone would give, my thirst to sate, Water of Bethlehem's well, beside the gate! At this, three mighty men, with bold emprise, Brake through the hostile lines; secured the prize; Then, triumphing, their leader's side regained.
It is not mine to plan, or worry so. Mine to reflect, nor question as I go; Mine just to let Thy will be done in me, And know that naught can mar Thy perfect harmony, That all of joy and peace and happiness is mine If I but strive to mold my will to Thine.
O Love divine, whene'er my footsteps falter, Because I cannot seem to see the way, I thank Thee I can reach out in the darkness, And from my heart rejoicingly can say, I can be happy anywhere, In any place, since God is there. It may be that Thy gracious plans may take me To scenes and places hitherto unknown.
Lift up my head above the mists that rise from earth, So that my eyes, no longer shaded by the dark, May see the light that ever shines above. Encircle me with walls of mercy, truth, and love, That perfect sphere wherein true liberty is found— A sure protection from the shafts of ill.
Not in the whirlwind was the voice divine That called Elijah to more radiant light; Not in the flame, nor in the seeming might Of earthquake, striving vainly to define Deific power. Fearless and firm he stood, Ready to bow the head—to make his choice, Firm in the faith of everlasting good— Waiting with fervent heart the "still small voice.
At times the path is lonely, dark, and drear; With faltering feet the upward way we wend; Afar off seems the journey's longed-for end, Through mists of doubt, discouragement, and fear; When, like a song, there come these words of cheer, Of positive assurance: Lo, I send Before thee always angels to attend Thy every step—behold their presence near! And comforted and strengthened, then we take A heartier hold on Truth, the path pursue With firmer tread, each steep ascent to make For gain of clearer views, each one more true, A promise of that perfect one to be: Love's allness known—all life, O God, in Thee!
The spring has come; and everywhere The scent of lilacs fills the air. O doubting heart, gaze on this bloom Brought forth from winter's icy tomb, And know the Father's loving care Is with His children everywhere.
Dear God, how close around us all Thy tender mercies move, How measureless the river flows Of Thy unchanging love. If all the thirsty lips of men Were lifted to the brim, Thy love would satisfy the wants Of every one of them!
Dear God, one yearning lovely thought I pray,— I whisper it,—that day by day The Christ in consciousness may clearer grow Until I see Thee face to face and know My prayer is answered; for the peace Of Love's tranquillity brings surcease From all life's woes, and Truth triumphant shows, As shadows, mankind's mortal foes. The shadows darkly veiled my erring sight; I groped among them, seeking light.
Let me wash my deeds and my thinking clean, Free from the soil of self; Let me cleanse my heart from the taint of sin, From the greed for power and pelf; And so, dear God, let me take Thy hand And walk with Thee to-day— Let me walk in the light of Thy loving face All the happy, holy way.