1 Who fathoms the eternal thought?
Who talks of scheme and plan?
The Lord is God! He needeth not
The poor device of man.

2 Here in the maddening maze of things,
When tossed by storm and flood,
To one fixed ground my spirit clings;
I know that God is good!

3 I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.

4 And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear an untried pain,
The bruised reed he will not break,
But strengthen and sustain.

5 No offering of my own I have,
Nor works my faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts He gave,
And plead His love for love.

6 I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.