The Greatest Test

Help me to walk so close to Thee

That those who know me best can see

I live as godly as I pray

And Christ is real from day to day.

I see some once a day, or year,

To them I blameless might appear;

‘Tis easy to be kind and sweet

To people whom we seldom meet;

But in my home are those who see

Too many times the worst of me.

My hymns of praise were best unsung

If He does not control my tongue

When I am vexed and sorely tried

And my impatience cannot hide.

May no one stumble over me

Because Thy love they failed to see;

But give me, Lord, a life that sings,

And victory over little things.

Give me Thy calm for every fear,

Thy peace for every falling tear;

Make mine, O Lord, through calm and strife

A gracious and unselfish life;

Help me with those who know me best,

For Jesus sake, to stand the test.

by Barbara C. Ryberg