Once

I remember listening to an old LP record of Lester Roloff singing this old hymn by A.B. Simpson (see below). It means so much more now than it did when I was a kid ... because through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come!

These dangers, toils, and snares have enabled me to understand the "grace life" more fully. The words of verse two are oh-so-true for me! "Once 'twas painful trying/ Now 'tis perfect trust."

And, believe me, I'm still learning to lean on Jesus. That's what it's all about: yielding to Him so He can live the Christian life through me. It's so much more peaceful than painful trying!

Once
A.B. Simpson

1. Once it was the blessing,
Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling,
Now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted,
Now, the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing,
Now Himself alone.


CHORUS
All in all is Jesus,
Jesus will I sing;
Everything in Jesus,
And Jesus, everything.


2. Once 'twas painful trying,
Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation,
Now the uttermost;
Once 'twas ceaseless holding,
Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting,
Now my anchor's cast.


3. Once 'twas busy planning,
Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring,
Now He has the care;
Once 'twas what I wanted,
Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking,
Now 'tis ceaseless praise.


4. Once it was my working,
His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him,
Now He uses me;
Once the pow'r I wanted,
Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored,
Now for Him alone.


5. Once I hoped in Jesus,
Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying,
Now they brightly shine;
Once for death I waited,
Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored
Safe within the veil.

~ A.B. Simpson

Additional reading on the "grace life": The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith; Charles Trumbull's writings; Oswald Chambers' writings; F.B. Meyer's writings; etc. Message me (or comment below) if you would like more info.