Stand Still and See

I'm standing, Lord:
There is a mist that blinds my sight.
Steep, jagged rocks, front, left and right,
Lower, dim, gigantic, in the night.
Where is the way?

I'm standing, Lord:
The black rock hems me in behind
Above my head a moaning wind
Chills and oppresses heart and mind
I am afraid!

I'm standing, Lord:
The rock is hard beneath my feet;
I nearly slipped, Lord, on the sleet.
So weary, Lord! and where a seat?
Still must I stand?

He ansered me, and on His face
A look ineffable of grace,
Of perfect, understanding love,
Which all my murmuring did remove.

I'm standing, Lord:
Since Thou hast spoken, Lord, I see
Thou hast beset--these rocks are Thee!
And since Thy love encloses me,
I stand and sing.
------------
Betty Stam
Missionary to China

She wrote, "This poem expresses the distress of soul and fear of mind that were mine before I surrendered my all--even inmost motives, so far as I know--to God's control. The fourth stanza is His gracious acceptance of my unworthy self; the last tells of the joy, satisfaction, and peace of assured guidance that Christ my Saviour gives me, now that He is Lord of my life."