Last year I learned of the existence of the old German hymn “If Thou But Suffer God To Guide Thee” and fell in love with the words and the melody. I used several versions to come up with this revision:
“If you but trust in God to guide you
And hope in Him through all your ways,
He’ll give strength, whate’er befalls you,
Will bear you through the evil days.
For those who trust God’s changeless love
Build on the Rock that will not move.
Be patient and await His timing
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate’er our Lord’s assigning,
And His discerning love has sent.
Don’t doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him Who chose us for His own.
He knows the time for joy and truly
Will send it as His plan foresees.
When He has tried and purged you duly
And Love has brought you to your knees.
Our joy, our God will not mistreat.
One day in Him, we’ll stand complete.
Sing, pray and keep His ways unswerving,
And do your own part faithfully,
Trust in His Word, though undeserving,
And you will find it true to be.
Cast all your burdens on the Lord,
He will sustain, be well assured.”
By Georg Neumark, 1641
Translated by Cathrine Winkworth, 1829-1878
Revised by: Michaela O’Neal, 2016
Reforming Joy 