these inward trials
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.
I hoped that in some favoured 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,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
'Lord, why this?' I trembled cried,
'Will thou pursue Thy worm to death?'
'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 seek thy all in me.
-John Newton
I read this in 'Knowing God' by J.I Packer after talking with a friend who's going through a rough patch. The hymn really hit the nail on the head, offering a much needed perspective in the area of hurts and suffering. I guess in a good way, we 'ask for it' when we pray for grace and faith. Through trials, we grow 'away from self and pride' and really turn to Him for everything. God, help us be patient in troubles and even rejoice and give thanks in them!
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.
I hoped that in some favoured 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,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
'Lord, why this?' I trembled cried,
'Will thou pursue Thy worm to death?'
'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 seek thy all in me.
-John Newton
I read this in 'Knowing God' by J.I Packer after talking with a friend who's going through a rough patch. The hymn really hit the nail on the head, offering a much needed perspective in the area of hurts and suffering. I guess in a good way, we 'ask for it' when we pray for grace and faith. Through trials, we grow 'away from self and pride' and really turn to Him for everything. God, help us be patient in troubles and even rejoice and give thanks in them!
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