Once I Tried to Use Him

Once I tried to use Him
To satisfy my soul
How foolish I! For ‘twas a gift,
That cleansed and made my whole.
Once I thought my goodness,
My works, could set me free.
Once I tried to use Him –
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
I took His grace for naught.
Sinning that grace might abound
Not living as I ought.
Asking Him for strength
Using all day for ‘me’.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
To save my soul from hell
I was afraid His love to show
When Jesus whispered “Tell”.
I’d turn away with this reply:
“I’m scared. What if? Not me.”
Once I tried to use Him,
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him,
Now vain I see those days.
I pray that He will use me –
That He receives the praise.
I see Him so much greater
His majesty I see.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

How sweet the path has grown
Since I’ve yielded to His care
No need to ask for anything –
For HE is always there.
No need to ask for grace –
It rolleth like the sea.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
Now forevermore I’ll live.
For Him who died on Calvary
For He such freedom gives.
And then when I behold Him
That His words to me might be:
“Once you let me use you;
Child, I am pleased with thee.”

Copyright Miriam Rainwater, October 16, 2007
All rights reserved.