Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share it’s joy. Pr 14:10
I take this to mean my experience is mine alone. The Creator God who makes no two snowflakes the same, makes no two human hearts the same, and works with each one individually in his infinite wisdom and shepherd’s heart. This is a window into how he does it: inward trials. Trials unique to me, that maybe no one sees…..
These Inward Trials
By John Newton
I asked the Lord that I might grow,
In faith, in love, in every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.
I hoped that on some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His loves constraining power,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this He made me feel,
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry powers 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 tremblingly 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 seek thy all in Me.”
