“My Times are in Your Hand” (Psalm 31:15)

“Sovereign Ruler of the skies, ever Gracious, ever Wise;                              

All my times are in Thy Hand, all events at Thy command.

His decree Who Formed the earth, Fixed my first and second birth;

Parents, native place and time, all Appointed were by Him.

Times of sickness, times of health, times of poverty and of wealth;

Times of trial and of grief, times of triumph and relief.

Times the tempter’s power to prove, times to taste the Savior’s Love;

All must come and last and end, as shall please my Heavenly Friend.

Plagues and death around me fly, till He bids I cannot die;

Not a single shaft can hit, till the God of Love sees fit.  (Ryland, 18th century)