Comforted of God — A Selection of Poems
by Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are COMFORTED OF GOD. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Blessed are they that mourn, for THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED. Matthew 5:4.

He sorrows with His suffering child,
  He weeps with those that weep;
He comforts and sustaineth them,
  Their footsteps He doth keep.

"He doth not willingly afflict,"
  Nor grieve one precious soul;
His hand of love is over all,
  When sorrow's billows roll.

With countless mercies day by day,
  Compassions ever new,
His own are comforted and kept,
  Their strength He doth renew.

"I will not leave you comfortless,"
  Oh! What a precious Word!
The God of Comfort dries our tears,
  His promises we've heard.

He comforteth all those that mourn,
  He heals the broken heart;
He bindeth up their griefs and wounds,
  His strength He doth impart.

Oh Blessed Lord, we need Thy strength,
  Thy grace for every day;
We need Thy strong sustaining arm,
  To keep us all the way.

We thank Thee for Thy presence,
  For Thy promises so true,
"I will not leave you comfortless,
  For I will come to you."
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13.

God—comforteth those that are cast down. 2 Corinthians 7:6.

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3.

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

"Careful for nothing," 'tis the Shepherd's voice,
"Be of good cheer," "forevermore rejoice,''
Precious the truth this message doth impart,
Comforts, encourages, and cheers the heart.

"Careful for nothing," wondrous love is shown,
In His desire expressed thus for His own;
Seeking to give them through life's pathway here
Freedom from worry, care, or doubt, or fear.

"Careful for nothing," for His love would share
Every perplexity and every care;
"In everything," whate'er the problem be,
"Let your requests be made known" unto Me.

Bringing thy burden then in simple prayer,
Commit it all unto a Father's care;
Trusting His love, from doubt and worry cease,
For He desires to give thee perfect peace.

Peace, rest, and joy, He giveth day by day,
His perfect peace, which nought can take away:
Peace, that the world can never understand,
Peace, that comes only from a Father's hand.

What richer portion could one ever find,
Than perfect peace of heart, and rest of mind?
And 'tis His promise, He will safely keep,
Throughout life's pathway, every single sheep.

"Careful for nothing," to be then content,
All He allows is for thy blessing sent;
"In everything give thanks" unto the Lord,—
All will work out for good; it is His Word.

"Careful for nothing," what is there to fear
Since He has promised to be ever near?
"Careful for nothing," what-so-e'er betide,
Peace is thy portion, with Him at thy side.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Peace I leave with you, MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee. Psalm 55:22

Jesus, our blessed Redeemer,
  Jesus, our Shepherd and Guide,
Ever will bear all your burdens,
  Ever will stay by your side.

Jesus knows all of your problems,
  Knows all our trial and care,
He's ever ready to help us,
  Ready to answer our prayer.

Oh! what a comfort in trial,
  Just to lean hard on this Friend,
Trust Him for grace and deliverance,
  Learning on Him to depend.

Jesus wants you to be happy,
  Wants you to have peace and rest;
Cast all your care then upon Him,
  Lean on His strong, loving breast.

Careth? Oh yes! Jesus careth,
  His own are dear to His heart;
All His beloved whom He died for,
  They are to Him set apart.

Oh! how he cares for His people,
  Guards them and keeps them alway,
Wants them to share in His glory,
  All through eternity's day.

Make your requests then to Jesus,
  Trusting His promise so true;
Roll on the Lord all your burden,
  For He is caring for you.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

I would have you without carefulness. 1 Corinthians 7:32

Shall the clay say to Him that fashioneth it, What makest Thou? Isaiah 45:9

Cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in Mine hand. Jeremiah 18:6

Hath not the potter power over the clay? Romans 9:21

The pattern and the purpose
  Of every vessel planned,
Its usefulness and beauty
  Are in the potter's hand.

The clay makes no decision,
  Has no will of its own,
But yielded to the potter,
  His pattern is made known.

And thus the Master Potter
  Our service has outlined;
He asks us to be yielded
  Unto His Will and Mind.

His purpose to acknowledge,
  To listen to His voice,
To let Him plan our pathway,
  According to His choice.

A vessel marred and broken,
  We may not understand,
But all can be committed
  Unto the Potter's hand.

Our Father's way is perfect,
  His thought toward us is love;
He's fashioning and molding,
  For life with Him above.

To trust the Heavenly Potter.
  And let Him mold the clay.
Brings joy, and peace, and blessing,
  And happiness alway.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen ye love. 1 Peter 1:6-8

"Now for a season", if need be,
Temptation, heaviness, pain,
Proving thy faith most precious,
Gleaning eternal gain.

Faith in a Father's wisdom,
Faith in His heart of love,
Faith through the worst affliction,
Faith that looks up above.

Faith that will stand His testing,
Though it be tried with fire,
Trusting His love and goodness,—
This is His heart's desire.

Testing is just for a season,
Later its purpose is known,
After the trial comes blessing,
After the cross comes the crown.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

"Are your eyes on the waves, or the Lord
When trial or testing you meet?
For if on the Lord, there is strength,
But if on the waves, it's defeat.

The waves may be boisterous and high,
But Jesus, thy Shepherd, is near.
He's ready to answer your cry,
And comforts with "Be of good cheer."

His love is forever the same,
Who laid down His life for the sheep;
There's power in the touch of His hand,
He's willing and able to keep.

The circumstance through which you pass,
The trial of faith may be hard,
Beset oft with doubtings and fear,—
Look not at the waves, but the Lord.

The winds and the waves He controls,
Then trust Him, and be not dismayed,
He taketh His child by the hand,
Encourages, "Be not afraid."

May we, in the pathway of life,
When trial and testing arise,
Look not at the waves, but the Lord,
Who watcheth His own from the skies.

And when we His beauty behold,
The fears and the doubtings must cease;
His mercy, His love, and His power,
His presence bring wonderful peace.

Lord, increase our measure of faith,
Enlarge to a greater degree,
May we with a confident trust,
Look not at the waves, but to Thee.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

The Lord said ... I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Luke 22:31-32

Lord, Increase our faith. Luke 17:5

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Isaiah 43:2

Though troubles may like billows rise,
And clouds obscure our view,
But resting on those mighty arms,
The Lord will see us through.
We are all weakness in ourselves,
We have no power to claim,
The peace and vict'ry only come,
By trusting Jesus Name.

The Name of Him who died for us,
His Name speaks peace and love,
And Jesus only can console,
And lead our thoughts above,
To where the many mansions are,
That He himself prepared,
And He will come to take us there,
His glories with us shared.

Oh! teach our hearts to firmly rest
Upon those mighty arms,
Though trials come, our faith to test,
With Thee we feel no harm;
Though Satan seek to buffet sore,
The soul that clings to Thee,
And leans upon those mighty arms,
Is sheltered, safe and free.

Those wondrous everlasting arms,
Oh! how we praise Thy grace!
That made provision for our needs,
That helps in every case.
Thou hast not put us in this scene
To wander here alone,
But Thou didst meet our every need,
And for our sins atone.

And from the glory, Thou dost seek
To win our hearts to Thee,
To find our comfort in Thy love,
Thy grace and strength so free.
Just meditating on Thy love,
And all Thy wondrous ways,
Which lead our hearts to worship,
And our lips to songs of praise.

Oh! may we value more and more
Those everlasting arms,
Where we may flee for safety,
When the tempter would alarm,
And may we find our refuge,
'Neath the shelter of Thy wing,
And find in Thee our pleasure,
And the joy Thy love doth bring.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

...Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

"I will be with thee," "Peace, be still,"
The waves and billows cease,
"I will be with thee," Oh! what joy,
His presence giveth peace!
We only know His presence, as
We walk the path with Him,
Depending on Him, day by day,
May faith be never dim!

"Be strong and of good courage," then,
The Lord is on thy side,
In heav'n He intercedes for you,
The One who for you died;
With nail pierced hands, He pleads His blood,
The remedy for sin,
And all who trust His precious blood,
Have perfect peace within.

His love is just the same today,
As when on Calvary,
He yielded up His life to God,
To set the sinner free:
In every circumstance we meet,
We're sheltered by that love,
We're shielded and drawn closer, to
The heart of Him above.

Oh! then, here in the wilderness,
Are lessons bright to learn,
Of countless mercies day by day,
As we the path sojourn;
Compassions every morning, from
His gracious heart of love,
And mercies without ceasing,
Every moment we will prove.

Of His faithfulness, His goodness,
And His kindness let us sing,
And every day His praises tell,
Our Shepherd, Priest, and King,
May we exalt Him, and extol
The Name of Him on high,
For Jesus loves the same today,
As when He came to die.

Oh! may we value every time
The Lord says "Come apart"
To learn more of His matchless grace,
His ever loving heart;
While sitting in His presence
Drink in riches of His grace,
Enjoying now this portion, 'till
We see Him face to face.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

And the LORD said ... upon himself put not forth thine hand. Job 1:12

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Though Satan seek to buffet sore,
  He bows at God's command;
He cannot touch nor harm thee when
  God says, "Stay now thine hand."

The One who shed His precious blood
  To set the sinner free;
With that same matchless love untold
  Is watching over thee.

The Lord who stretched the heavens forth
  The earth's foundation laid,—
With that same power He guards His child
  And says "Be not afraid."

For "God is faithful"—blessed Word!
  Temptation, fear, or snare,
He never will allow one test
  Above that ye can bear.

The trial and testing He allows,
  By love and wisdom planned,—
When His own purpose is fulfilled
  He speaks —"Stay now thine hand."

The pathway may seem rough and steep,
  You'll feel His presence near,
You'll hear the precious Shepherd's voice,
  "'Tis I, child, never fear."

Then trust His love,—keep looking up,
  On Jesus fix thy gaze;
The way He leads will give thee cause
  For everlasting praise.

In glory we will give Him praise
  For all the way He led;
Then we will understand His ways,
  But here, we trust instead.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

If God be FOR US, who can be against us? Romans 8:31.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God FOR US. Hebrews 9:24.

When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know: for GOD IS FOR ME. Psalms 56:9.

CHRIST ALSO HATH LOVED US, AND HATH GIVEN HIMSELF FOR US. Ephesians 5:2.

God is for us, who in mercy
  Sent His well beloved Son,
To redeem our souls on Calv'ry,
  And the work has all been done.

And when Satan, the deceiver,
  Seeks to tempt my rebel heart,
Christ is ready to deliver.
  He is there, to take my part.

Christ has overcome the tempter,
  He has vanquished every foe,
And on high He's interceding
  For His own. He loveth so.

Christ is for us. He is touched with
  Our infirmities and pain.
And our sufferings are measured
  In the light of heaven's gain.

He assures, and reassures us.
  He is for us, and He cares.
He desires our greatest blessing.
  And our worship, and our prayers.

He is for us. He's redeemed us.
  He is ever by our side,
He desires the sweet communion
  Of His precious blood-bought bride.

O to trust Him then more fully!
  In His loving heart to rest;
For the Lord who liveth for us.
  Ever gives His own the best.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. John 4:10

The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

We read the Father sent the Son
  To die, on Calv'ry's tree;
"He tasted death for every man",
  He tasted death for me.

The wrath that was my portion, Lord,
  Was suffered all by Thee,
When tasting death for every man,—
  When tasting death for me.

"'Tis finished", all on Calv'ry's cross,
  Redemption's work is done;
"No condemnation" evermore,
  Through God's beloved Son.

O wondrous love and matchless grace
  That sets the sinner free;
"The Son of God who loved me so,—
  He gave Himself for me."

May love like this unto Thine own
  Our hearts and voices raise,
Unto the Father and the Son
  Our everlasting praise.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

For the wages of sin is death; but THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10

He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6

For me, a sinner, doomed for hell,
  But pardoned, and set free;
These words of grace to me dost tell
  There is no spot in thee."

Thy Word condemns me, I confess,
  For "all have sinned," I read:
"Sin's wages, too, are death," unless
  Unto Thy grace I heed.

But God's gift is eternal life
  Through Jesus Christ our Lord:
His finished work extends to all
  Who trust His precious Word.

At Calvary, the Son of God
  Laid down His life for me;
My soul rejoices in the Lamb
  Who died to set me free.

When called to face Him now, I know,
  There can no sin be found;
His blood has cleansed me white as snow,
  His grace did so abound.

With His own robe of righteousness,
  In love, He's covered me;
'Tis through His merit, He can say
  "There is no spot in thee."

Yes, it is true, through wondrous grace,
  These words apply to me,
And with such love I'll have a place
  Through all Eternity.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

Many waters cannot quench love. Song of Solomon 8:7

I am my Beloved's and His desire is toward me. Song of Solomon 7:10

Thine is a love, unsearchable, eternal,
And many waters cannot quench Thy love;
Such love as Thou dost bear the quilty sinner,
Caused Thee to leave Thy glorious throne above.

Thou lovest me, a wretched, failing creature,
Unworthy, but Thy worthiness I claim;
Thy robe of righteousness is my salvation,
I pin my faith on Thy most precious Name.

Thou lovest me before the world's foundation,
"Chosen in Him" before the moon and sun,
Eternal love has marked out all my pathway,
And will direct 'till life on earth is done.

Thou lovest me, and Thou art interceding,
And ever working all things for my good,
O help me Lord, to rest upon Thy promise,
Rejoicing in Thy ways, not understood.

Thou lovest me, Ah! marvel of all ages,
Such wondrous love! we'll never understand;
But we can thankfully with joy receive it,
Enjoying blessings from Thy blessed hand.

O may we rest upon Thy love more fully!
And trust Thee for the needs of every day,
Assured Thy goodness, and Thy lovingkindness,
With mercies will surround my path alway.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Herein is love, not that we loved God, BUT THAT HE LOVED US, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5

We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation. Exodus 15:2

The LORD will give strength unto His people. Psalm 29:11

Thy God hath commanded thy strength. Psalm 68:28

I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me. Ezra 7:28

Not tomorrow's strength is given,
Yesterday's is past and gone:
But today's is just the measure,
For His child to rest upon.

"I will strengthen thee," God says it,
Strengthened by His mighty hand,
And in faithfulness, He giveth
Strength for every day He's planned.

For He knows our frame is weakness,
Knows each step along the way,
And He giveth, as 'tis needed,
Strength to us for every day.

For we read "God hath commanded"
Strength to be sent forth for thee,
May we trust and rest upon it,
Claim His promise, full and free.

Grace and strength He freely giveth,
And reneweth day by day;
Wisdom, mercies, lovingkindness,
All are with us on the way.

Help us, Lord, to rest upon Thee,
Proving thus Thy strength so free,
When we're weak, Thou art sufficient,
To supply abundantly.

May we trust Thee, then, more fully,
And believe Thy faithful Word,
And in quiet acquiescence,
Prove the promise of the Lord.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

I will strengthen thee." Isaiah 41:10

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31

To them that have no might, He increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction. Jeremiah 16:19

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Oh! how our loving Shepherd knows
Our need of peace and rest;
And how we need the quietness,
Of leaning on His breast.

And to His own, He often says
"Come ye apart," not go,
For He would have us with Himself,
His presence, we would know.

"Come ye apart" from all around,
Ye weary and distressed,
"Come unto Me," the Savior says,
"And I will give you rest."

Alone with Him gives quietness,
Alone with Him gives peace,
Gives strength, and joy, and happiness,
The fears and worries cease.

The Shepherd leads to pastures green,
He leads to waters still,
"He satisfies the longing soul,"
With joy the heart doth fill.

Then may we value more and more,
These times with Thee apart,
When Thou dost to our souls reveal,
Thy wise and loving heart.

A foretaste of the joys to come,
When we shall dwell with Thee,
What joys will satisfy the heart,
Throughout eternity.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

He leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Jesus said ... For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me. John 6:35,38

It was fathomless love, unspeakable,
  That would so move the Father's heart,
That His only begotten Son He sent,
  To take the poor sinner's part.

For we were afar off, straying, lost,
  But in mercy, God sent His Son,
Has this marvelous gift of the Father's love
  Your heart and affections won?

We were lost, we were rebels, gone far from God,
  But Jesus for us did die;
Bore our sins on the cross, paid our debt with His
  blood,
  To the Father, we're now brought nigh.

And Jesus so willingly left the throne,
  So willingly went to the cross,
For though He was rich, for our sakes became poor,
  To redeem our poor souls from loss.

It was love, matchless love held Him on the cross,
  'Till for sin He did fully atone:
The nails could never have held Him there,
  But 'twas love, wondrous love alone.

Yes, Jesus was willing to take our place,
  He was willing to bear our sin,
This holy, spotless Lamb of God
  Paid our debt, our poor hearts to win.

The way back to God is open now,
  For all who receive His Son,
For all who accept Him as Saviour now,
  And acknowledge the work He has done.

Through ages to come, in the Father's house,
  He will riches of grace impart,
But we never will fathom or comprehend,
  The love of the Father's heart.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3:1

Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

It is our Father's purpose that
  Our hearts have peace, and rest;
His wisdom chooses for us
  What is always wise and best.

He asks us just to trust in Him,
  Be happy, and rejoice!
To evermore delight in Him,
  This is the Shepherd's voice.

He wants us to commit to Him,
  Our pathway, day by day,
To let Him take the hand and lead,
  And to direct our way.

He asks us then to rest in Him,
  Yes, this is His delight!
To have our hearts at peace and rest,
  And happy in His sight.

"Let not your heart be troubled." then,
  And "fret not," neither fear;
He wants us undisturbed and calm,
  For He is ever near.

To trust, delight, commit, and rest,
  Were this our daily prayer
'Twould yield the precious fruit of peace
  And freedom from all care.

'Twould keep our hearts rejoicing,
  With a mind at peace and rest,
And happy in our Father's love,
  Whose ways are right and best.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Trust in Him AT ALL TIMES. Psalm 62:8

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

For I am the LORD, I change not. Malachi 3:6

The LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Then what-so-e'er betide us
  Thy years shall never fail,
Thy love and grace surround us,
  When trials sore assail;
Unchanging, firm foundation
  For every trusting heart,
And peace and joy abundant
  Thy presence doth impart.

"The Lord doth go before thee,"
  Fear not, nor be dismayed;
He will not fail nor leave thee,—
  Why should we be afraid?
Today, tomorrow, ever,
  Eternally, the same,
He never will forsake thee,—
  O bless His worthy Name.

O keep our eyes, Lord Jesus,
  On Thee, the spotless Lamb,
Thou all sufficient object,
  Eternal great "I AM;"
Our Refuge when in trouble,
  Our Comforter when tried,
The Rock of our salvation,
  Our Shepherd, Guard, and Guide.

Forever "Thou remainest,"
  Our Shepherd tried and true,
To safely lead Thy people
  This desert journey through;
Thy goodness and Thy mercy
  Shall follow all the way,
Thy grace is all sufficient
  For every dawning day.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our Guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14