I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
“These inward trials I employ from self and pride, to set thee free; and break thy schemes of earthly joy, that thou may’st find thy all in Me.”
This remarkable hymn was written in 1779 by John Newton (1725-1807) also the author of Amazing Grace.
It’s a insightful poem about how the Lord afflicts us so that he might comfort us and help us change and grow to be more like His Son, Jesus Christ. It reminded me of how God worked on Jonah’s heart through different events and situations. When you find yourself in a difficult trial, ask the Lord how you might grow.
I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.
‘Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“‘Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”
Photo by Mehdi-Thomas BOUTDARINE on Unsplash
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