I know not when the call may come
To summon me away,
To enter the Eternal Home
I’ve longed for many a day.
I know not when my Lord will stoop
My earthly bond to sever;
But this I know, that He is mine,
And I am His forever!
I know not why He set His love
Upon a thing so vile:
Nor why He drew my heart above,
And cheered me with His smile.
I wonder at His tender care,
For I deserve it never, never.
But oh, I know that He is mine,
And I am His forever!
I know not why that wounded hand
Should often press me down;
His ways I cannot understand, —
And Life’s unfading Crown
Is hidden from my feeble sight,
To win it be my firm endeavor;
Oh, joy to know that He is mine,
And I am His forever!
I know not why He keeps me here
In suffering deep and long;
Why oft the clouds hang dark and drear,
And I can sing no song.
No song in words; yet, my poor heart
Would, silent, praise Him doubting never.
For well I know that He is mine,
And I am His forever!
I know not how His blessings come,
And come so unexpected;
‘Mid all the needs, while traveling Home,
We never are neglected.
Nor why so many of His friends
To bless my life should all endeavor,
Unless it be that He is mine,
And I am His forever!
I know not yet the mystery
How He has made me His,
Nor how He gave Himself to me. —
I only know the bliss
Of hearing from His gracious lips
That He will leave me never, never;
And so I know that He is mine,
And I am His forever!
I know not anything at all
As some day I shall know;
What darksome shadows yet may fall
Across the way I go.
I am not wise to understand,
At questions deep I am not clever,
But, praise the Lord! I KNOW I’M HIS,
AND HE IS MINE FOREVER!
Anna Woodcock
Written Sept. 25th, 1910
Passed into the Presence of the King, Oct. 4th, 1910