Peace After a Storm

I

When darkness long has veil’d my mind.
And smiling day once more appears,
Then, my Redeemer, then I find
The folly of my doubts and fears.

II

Straight I upbraid my wand’ring heart,
And blush that I should ever be
Thus prone to act so base a part,
Or harbour one hard thought of thee.

III

Oh! let me then at length be taught
What I am still so slow to learn:
That God is love and changes not,
Nor knows the shadow of a turn.

IV

Sweet truth, and easy to repeat!
But when my faith is sharply tried,
I find myself a learner yet,
Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide.

V

But, my Lord, one look from thee
Subdues the disobedient will;
Drives doubt and discontent away,
And thy rebellious worm is still.

VI

Thou art as ready to forgive,
As I am ready to repine;
Thou, therefore, all the praise receive;
Be shame and self-abhorrence mine.