Thursday, March 25, 2021

Lord why is this?




John Newton wrote:

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know, 
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

’Twas He who taught me thus to pray, 
And He, I trust, has answered prayer.
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favoured hour, 
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r, 
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel 
The hidden evils of my heart; 
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand
He seemed intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, 
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this?’ I trembling cried,
‘Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?’
‘’Tis in this way,’ the Lord replied,
‘I answer prayer for grace and faith.’

‘These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy, 
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.’