I see a theme developing

John Piper quotes this hymn in his book "When I Don't Desire God."

Is it just me, or is there a connection between:

a) Piper's book,

b) Russell's Sunday School lesson (James 1:2 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials"),

c) Smokey's sermon (Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!), and

d) our Sun. night Bible study (Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.)

...ok, so maybe "d" is a stretch, but, trust me, I can make it fit. I'm greatly burdened for friends who are encountering providences which may be challenging in the midst of which to find joy. I hope, by the spirit, this hymn will encourage me when God brings it on!

It's one of my favorites. It's impossible to play/sing this hymn without a piano/organ, but the tune is beautiful. I think verse 3 is my favorite:

If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trust in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.

What can these anxious cares avail thee
These never ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.

Be patient and await His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whatever thy Father’s pleasure
And His discerning love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost want are known
To Him who chose us for His own.

God knows full well when time of gladness
Shall be the needful thing for thee.
When He has tried thy soul with sadness
And from all guile has found thee free,
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care.

Nor think amid the fiery trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred.
Time passes and much change doth bring
And set a bound to everything.

All are alike before the Highest:
’Tis easy for our God, We know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low.
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to naught.

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word: though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.