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, thru calm and strife
A gracious and unselfish life:
Help me with those who know me best
For Jesus' sake, to stand the test.

- Barbara Ryberg -

Colossians 1:10 -11
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto
all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according
to his glorious power, unto all patience and
longsuffering with joyfulness;

background & graphics by Mary Stephens
CA; updated 2020