O foolish heart, be still! And vex thyself no more! Wait thou for God, until He open pleasure's door. Thou knowest not what is good for thee, But God doth know-- Let him thy strong reliance be, And rest thee so. He counted all my days, And every joy and tear, Ere I knew how to praise, Or even had learned to fear. Before I him my Father knew He called me child; His help has guarded me all through This weary wild. The least of all my cares Is not to him unknown-- He sees and he prepares The pathway for his own; And what his hand assigns to me, That serves my peace; The greatest burden it might be, Yet joys increase. I live no more for earth; Nor seek my full joy here; The world seems little worth When heaven is shining clear. Yet joyfully I go my way So free, so blest! Sweetening my toil from day to day With thoughts of rest. Give me, my Lord, whate'er Will bind my heart to thee; For that I make my prayer, And know thou hearest me! But all that might keep back my soul-- Make thee forgot-- Though of earth-good it were the whole, O give it not! When sickness, pains, distress, And want doth follow fear, And men their hate express, My sky shall still be clear. Then wait I, Lord, and wait for thee; And I am still, Though mine should unaccomplished be, Do thou thy will! Thou art the strength and stay Of every weary soul; Thy wisdom rules the way Thy pity does control. What ill can happen unto me When thou art near? Thou wilt, O God, my keeper be; I will not fear. --Christian F. Gellert (1715-1769). I SHALL NOT WANT I shall not want: in desert wilds Thou spreadst thy table for thy child; While grace in streams, for thirsting souls, Through earth and heaven forever rolls. I shall not want: my darkest night Thy lovely smile shall fill with light; While promises around me bloom, And cheer me with divine perfume. I shall not want: thy righteousness My soul shall clothe with glorious dress; My blood-washed robe shall be more fair Than garments kings or angels wear. I shall not want: whate'er is good Of daily bread or angels' food Shall to my Father's child be sure, So long as earth and heaven endure. --Charles F. Deems. NO CARES O Lord! how happy should we be If we could leave our cares to thee; If we from self could rest, And feel at heart that One above, In perfect wisdom, perfect love, Is working for the best. For when we kneel and cast our care Upon our God, in humble prayer, With strengthened souls we rise; Sure that our Father, who is nigh To hear the ravens when they cry, Will hear his children's cries.