Worship and Service Hymnal ‎#371

371. I Know Not What the Future Hath

1 I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
God's mercy underlies.

2 And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear an untried pain,
The bruised reed He will not break
But strengthen and sustain.

3 And Thou, O Lord, by whom are seen
Thy creatures as they be,
Forgive me if too close I learn
My human heart on Thee.

4 And so beside the silent sea
I wait the muffled oar:
No harm from Him can come to me
On ocean or on shore.

5 I know not where His island lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: I know not what the future hath
• Title: I Know Not What the Future Hath
• Author: John G. Whittier, 1807-1892
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1957
• Topic: God the Father: His Providence; The Christian Way of Life: Comfort and Encouragement

Tune Information

• Name: COOLING
• Composer: Alonzo J. Abbey, 1825-1887
• Key: D Major