THE BALANCINGS OF THE CLOUDS

G. H. Brown

“Dost thou know about the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him that is perfect in knowledge?” Job 37: 16.

Thine infinite wisdom, our Father,

In all Thou allowest we see;

The storms that around us may gather

Are skillfully measured by Thee.

The clouds, by Thy power transcending,

Thou holdest in balance and poise,

In wonderful harmony blending

Our sorrow and grief with our joys.

Each circumstance, bitter or pleasant,

Unerringly weighed and assessed,

Though grievous it seemeth at present,

Will finally work for the best.

And yet through Thy wise dispensation

We shall not unduly be tried,

For Thou, in the hour of temptation,

Away of escape wilt provide.

Thy mercy so constantly proven,

Unchanged through the fast-flowing years,

Our life’s chequered pattern has woven

With mingled rejoicings and tears.

Though burdened with pain and affliction

Why should we lament or repine,

Since every appointed restriction

Fulfilleth a purpose divine?

This knowing, Oh shall we not rather,

In faith and submission unfeigned,

Accept with thanksgiving, our Father,

The trials Thy love has ordained?

We thank Thee for rain and clear shining,

For joyous and cloud-shadowed days,

The north and the south winds combining

In bringing forth fruit to Thy praise;

For storms which our spirits have driven

From human resources to turn

To prove the support Thou hast given,

Thy tender compassion to learn.

The clouds Thou permittest are blended

With infinite mercy and love,

But soon shall our sorrows be ended

With Christ in the glory above!

Melbourne