That thou mayest seek thy all in Me

Kim and I had the privilege of joining the local body in singing a most astounding hymn this last Sunday. "I Asked the Lord" is probably one of the oldest hymns still in circulation - I'm guessing - but I can't recall singing it on a previous occasion.I count it a privilege to have enjoyed it with God's people.

The Spirit used this rhythmic work of beauty to prick my soul and to remind my forgetful heart of how God works - above and beyond our level of knowledge and intellectual capacity. I am reminded of the folly of expecting sanctification - and life in general - to happen on my time-table and by the means I deem most appropriate.

"That thou mayest seek thy all in Me" is the answer that the Lord gives in the lyrics of the tune. Such is the desire of our loving Lord - that His children would run to no other source for satisfaction and fullfillment. May God continue to refine by means of the furnace as we trust in His unbending goodness, His ultimate sovereignty, and His never-failing ability to satisfy.

Read or listen (or both, both is good).

I Asked The Lord

1. I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and every grace
Might more of His salvation know
And seek more earnestly His face

2. Twas He who taught me thus to pray
And He I trust has answered prayer
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair

3. I hoped that in some favored hour
At once He'd answer my request
And by His love's constraining power
Subdue my sins and give me rest

4. Instead of this He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry powers of Hell
Assault my soul in every part

5. Yea more with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Cast out my feelings, laid me low

6. Lord why is this, I trembling cried
Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?
"Tis in this way" The Lord replied
"I answer prayer for grace and faith"

7. "These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free
And break thy schemes of earthly joy
That thou mayest seek thy all in me,
That thou mayest seek thy all in me."

Props to @luggnut for (though unintended) topic suggestion.

itl