"I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil to give you an expected end."
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
A hidden chain, a mighty chain,
Was cast around the child;
And though earth's hopes and fears again,
And yet again beguiled
Her heart; the chain's resistless power
Drew closer round her, hour by hour:
It bound her thoughts, then to unfold
His thoughts, whose thoughts are peace;
Her eyes, that so she might behold
The One who gives release;
It bound her heart, for it was love,
Love, endless, holy, strong,
Stronger than death, and captive thus,
The child was borne along.
To tell the wondrous joy and gain
Of such captivity,
Fruit of the Savior's cross and pain,
Will need eternity.