God Knows It All

1 In the dim recess of thy spirit's chamber,
Is there some hidden grief thou may'st not tell?
Let not thy heart forsake thee; but remember,
His pitying eye, who sees and knows it well.
God knows it all!

2 And art thou tossed on billows of temptation,
And would'st be good, but evil oft prevails?
O think amid the waves of tribulation
When earthly hopes, and earthly refuge fails—
God knows it all!

3 And dost thou sin, thy deed of shame concealing
In some dark spot no human eye can see,
Then walk in pride, without one sigh revealing
The deep remorse that should disquiet thee?
God knows it all!

4 Art thou oppressed, and poor, and heavy hearted,
The heavens above thee in thick clouds arrayed,
And well nigh crushed; no earthly strength imparted,
No friendly voice to say, "Be not afraid!"
God knows it all!

5 Art thou a mourner? are thy tear-drops flowing
For one too early lost to earth and thee?
The depths of grief no human spirit knowing,
Which moan in secret like the moaning sea?
God knows it all!

6 Then go to God. Pour out your hearts before him;
There is no grief your Father cannot feel;
And let your grateful songs of praise adore him—
To save, forgive, and every wound to heal.
God knows it all—God knows it all!

Sacred and Household Poetry, 1858, p. 92.