Once it was the blessing,

Now it is the Lord.

Once it was the feeling,

Now it is His Word.

Once His gifts I wanted,

Now Himself alone.

Once I sought for healing,

Now the Healer own.

 

Once ’twas painful trying,

Now ’tis blessed trust.

Once a half salvation,

Now the "uttermost."

Once ’twas ceaseless holding,

Now He holds me fast.

Once ’twas constant drifting,

Now my anchor’s cast.

 

Once ’twas busy planning,

Now ’tis trustful prayer.

Once ’twas anxious caring,

Now He takes the care.

Once ’twas what I wanted,

Now what Jesus says.

Once ’twas constant asking,

Now ’tis joyful praise.

 

Once it was my working,

His it hence shall be.

Once I tried to use Him,

Now He uses me.

Once the power I wanted,

Now the Mighty One.

Once I worked for glory,

Now His will alone.

 

Once I hoped in Jesus,

Now I know He’s mine.

Once my lamps were dying,

Now He makes them shine.

Once for death I waited,

Now His coming hail;

And my hopes are anchored

Safe within the veil.

 

From Help and Food, Vol.
30.)