The good news of Christ
A diamond ‘midst the common stones,
A soul among sun-whitened bones,
Your fair, straight Way, where saints display
The Name above the small unknowns.
In us be seen the gospel’s charm,
Where reigns your peace, and none alarm,
Where hopes are high, and men rely
Upon your strong and powerful arm.
In Christ is heard the joyful sound,
In him is every blessing found,
His favors all to those who fall
Before the Son and Savior crowned.
O boundless Love, to those who hate
Show mercy, kindness to the cruel;
To them who rail, insult, berate,
Let humble goodness be our rule.
To vengeful foes who strike our face,
Make us disciples turn the cheek,
To calls for rights, let us show grace,
Toward haughty noses make us meek.
For we, above all else, desire,
In all affairs, in peace and strife,
To show your Self — to this aspire —
Like Christ who gave his perfect life.
Lord Almighty, I believe,
Forgive my unbelief;
For lack of trust in you I grieve,
Of sins this is the chief.
My eyes can’t see, for all their strength,
The plans that you have made,
Nor love in all its depth and length
That marked my sins as paid.
Your gentle presence I cannot feel,
To touch my senses fail;
My hazy sight can’t but conceal
Your hand within the gale.
But this I know: You move and speak,
You answer when I kneel;
Your wing protects the small and weak—
I know my God is real.
Show me the way, my God, my Guide,
How may I serve your purpose best?
Let not my asking be denied,
But turn your ear to my request.
What gift is mine, what open door?
What bodied member am I cast?
What words are mine with praise to soar,
What deeds to pierce the heavens at last?