Monday, June 29, 2009

The Greatest Test

Help me to walk so close to Thee
That those who know me best can see
I live as godly as I pray,
And Christ is real from day to day.
I see some once a day, or year;
To them, I blameless might appear;
'Tis easy to be kind and sweet
To people whom we seldom meet.
But in my home are those who see
Too many times, the worst of me.
My hymns of praise were best unsung
If He does not control my tongue.
When I am vexed and sorely tried,
And my impatience cannot hide,
May no one stumble over me
Because Thy love they failed to see.
But give me, Lord, a life that sings,
And victory over little things.
Give me Thy calm for every fear,
Thy peace for every falling tear.
Make mine, O Lord, through calm or strife,
A gracious and unselfish life.
Help me, with those who know me best,
For Jesus' sake, to stand the test.

----Barbara Ryberg