1 

Once it was the blessing,

   Now it is the Lord;

Once it was the feeling,

   Now it is His Word;

Once His gift I wanted,

   Now, the Giver own;

Once I sought for healing,

   Now Himself alone.

 2 

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.

 3 

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.

 4 

Once it was my working,

   His it hence shall be;

Once I tried to use Him,

   Now He uses me;

Once the pow'r I wanted,

   Now the Mighty One;

Once for self I labored,

   Now for Him alone.

 5 

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 veil.