“Himself” is a poem written by A.B. Simpson in 1904. The text is a road map for believers from the salvation experience to the consequence of maintaining our relationship with Jesus. The first half of each line represents the beginning of our focus on God; the second half shows our closer connection to Him. Jesus wants us to have a better life. He asks us to follow Him to be fulfilled and purpose driven in His love.
Enjoy the poem!
HIMSELF
by A.B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
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.
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.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
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 vail.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of A.B. Simpson’s poem.