God's Decrees

Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
Ever gracious, ever wise;
All my times are in your hand,
All events at your command.

His decree who formed the earth,
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place, and time,
All were appointed by Him.

He who formed me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb;
All my times shall ever be,
Ordered by His wise decree.

Times of sickness, times of health;
Times of poverty, and 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 deaths around me fly;
Until He bids, I cannot die;
Not a single shaft can hit,
Until the God of love sees fit!