Tim Challies' posted an unfamiliar hymn from the pen of John Newton. In it, we are reminded that God does not often answer prayer in the way we had hoped, but instead answers it in the way He, in His omniscient goodness and love, knows is eternally best. Newton's hymn is a good reminder of the need to approach God with a humble and submissive heart ... and to trust Him in His answer.
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 favored hour
At once He’d answer my request,
And by His love’s constraining power
Subdue my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry powers 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,
Cast out my feelings, 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 mayest seek thy all in Me,
That thou mayest seek thy all in Me.”
1 comment:
o ne of my earilest prayers, besides that He would teach me how to think ,feel and speak...was to pray for patience.:)...Hadn't seen the verse stand out to me yet when asked....how God works patience in His saints.:) This is along that path.
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