Moment by Moment

A lot of us wish that, when Paul said "in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Rom. 8:28), he had included a schedule for that program! Some of us wait a lifetime to see things work out for our good; others fail to recognize the good until long after it arrives. Impatient souls that we are, we just want the pain and frustration to stop.

We should remember that "in all things" also means "constantly." God doesn't leave us to struggle on our own for years until the time comes for Him to do something; He is active in every moment of our lives, guiding our circumstances toward the end He sees from the beginning. When He seems silent, He is busy watching and listening and planning, protecting and shaping us in ways we may never understand this side of eternity.

Any psychologist will confirm that much of human frustration is due to an unwillingness to live life one moment at a time, bit by bit. Why should we be surprised that the all-wise God tends toward the slow-and-steady route? 

Moment by moment our Father is working,

Bringing new mercies the dawn of each day,

God our Provider, our perfect Sustainer—

Perfect His wisdom and flawless His way.

Oh, our beloved Lord! Holy forever,

Moment by moment He shapes and He guides,

Gives us all things for our joy and our pleasure,

All that we need and far more yet besides!

Moment by moment our Father is working,

Weaving our lives in a plan yet unseen;

God our great Master and perfect Protector,

Lord of all things that will be and have been.

Oh, our beloved Lord! Holy forever,

Moment by moment He shapes and He guides,

Working all things to our good and our blessing,

Giving redemption and more yet besides!

Moment by moment our Father is working,

Drawing all things to the ultimate End;

God our great King and eternal Sustainer,

Perfect Redeemer and Heavenly Friend!

Oh, our beloved Lord! Holy forever,

Moment by moment He shapes and He guides,
Making for us a great World that's eternal,
And endless Life where all goodness abides!