In Time of Trial

My tears have been my food day and night, 

while people say to me all day long, 

"Where is your God?" Psalm 42:3

“Where is now thy God?”1
Why must there be this test,
when I have really tried
to give my very best?

Oh, God, I do not ask
for myself, “Are you real?”
whenever things go wrong
or because of how I feel.

But there are those who taunt
as though I have no God,
while day and night I grieve
and tears fall on the sod.

Our Savior, too, was tried;
the ridicule was gross;
“If God will have you now,
come down from off the cross!”2

But little did they know
that only three short days
would change the entire scene,
resulting in God’s praise!

No, I will not despair,
though bleak and dark the hour;
by faith I’ll reach ahead
for resurrection power.

The testing of my faith
I know is not for long;
and as I learn to trust,
God fills my heart with song.

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1. Psalm 42:3
2. Matthew 27:42

Picture: Crucifixion - Jacopo Tintoretto, 1565, accessed online, September 4, 2017

Reasonable Service

Reasonable Service

When I think of Him suffering for me
in the dark night of Gethsemane,
then the thorn-crown, the nails, the spear
and His prayer, “Oh, forgive them,” I hear.
Consenting to die in my place,
assuming my sin and disgrace,
then I cannot—I will not lay claim
to the years of my life that remain.
I will serve, not by notion or whim,
but with purpose, resign all to Him!

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Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #67483285, standard license

Gethsemane

Gethsemane

The word seems much too sacred – 

(the place where Jesus prayed) – 

for other application.

Alone, sin’s debt He paid!

But shall not servants also

share suffering with their Lord?

The act of full submission 

is basic in God’s word.

“Thy will, not mine” prevailing

though I shrink back with fright,

when claws of death surround me

while crying in the night.

Gethsemane – He conquered,

prevailing all alone;

great joy was set before Him

one day to mount the throne.

We love to think of reigning;

potentially we may,

but qualifying guidelines

prepare us for that day.

If we would reign, then suffering –  

intense, beyond our strength –  

is needed to refine us

and build our faith at length.

Gethsemane – let’s face it – 

you must, and so must I;

if we would reign with Jesus,

to self we then must die.

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Photo Credit: Screen image of Gethsemane by Adam Abram

God is Good

Original text by E.C. Magaret, translated from German by F.P. Nickel

Original music arranged by H.A. Henry; alternate musical arrangement by F.P. Nickel

God is good—by grace He saved us—
He our hope has oft renewed.
Lighting up our pilgrim pathway,
God is love and God is good!

All our needs and more supplying—
sunshine, rain and pleasant food,
joys of fellowship and service.
God is love and God is good!

In our toil and in our suffering
He imparts the joyful mood,
lifting us above our sorrows.
God is love and God is good!

In each season of abundance,
in our loss and solitude,
His design is for our profit.
God is love and God is good!

Though the nations rage in conflict,
restless throngs rebel and feud,
He alone stands firm and final;
God is love and God is good!

By His love and care surrounded,
with His grace and power endued,
we may rest in Jesus' keeping.
God is love and God is good!

Lyrics published 1975 in Contemporary Psalms, p. 2.
Recorded on LP771, "God is Good" side one
Sheet music available from Joyce.



Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com 2847514, Standard License