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.