"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thess. 5:28
"In everything give thanks,”
My God, is this Thy will?
Give thanks for disappointments given,
For prayers unanswered still!
Give thanks! when in the place
Of health and usefulness,
Through sickness Thou hast paled my face
With pain and weariness.
Give thanks! if 'twere Thy will
Submission to demand,
I then might bid myself be still,
And bow to Thy command.
Give thanks! Yea, Lord, I do,
And by Thy help I will,
Give thanks! for blessings not received,
Although expected still.
Give thanks! for mercies given,
Unnoticed oft by me;
Give thanks! for sins forgiven,
Known only, Lord, to Thee.
Give thanks! in word and deed,
For Thy surpassing love,
That sent Thy Son on earth to save,
And now to plead above.
Give thanks! for tender love,
That our Redeemer showed,
Who, in the absence of Himself,
A Comforter bestowed,
Oh, grant me by Thy grace
To walk by faith alone,
Until before my Father's face
know as I am know!
J. G. B.