Worship in Song ‎#238

238. I Know Not What the Future Has

1 I know not what the future has
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 No offering of my own I have,
Nor works my faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts he gave,
And plead his love for love.

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 islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond his love and care.

Text Information

• First Line: I know not what the future has
• Title: I Know Not What the Future Has
• Author: John Greenleaf Whittier (1867)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Faith; God's Care; Hope; Mercy; Quaker author; Trust

Tune Information

• Name: WILTSHIRE
• Composer: George Smart (c. 1795)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.
• Key: A♭ Major