Though all My Ships at Sea

I will not doubt;
though all my prayers return
unanswered from the still,
white realm above;
I shall believe it is an all-wise love
which has refused
those things for which I yearn;
And, though at times
I cannot keep from grieving,
yet the pure ardor
of my fixed believing 
undimmed, shall burn.  

I will not doubt,
though sorrows fall like rain,
and troubles swarm
like bees about a hive;
I shall believe
the heights for which I strive
are only reached by
anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and tremble
'neath my crosses,
I shall yet see
through my severest losses
the greater gain.

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I shall believe the Hand that never fails,
from seeming evil worketh good for me;
And though I weep because those sails are battered,
still will I cry, while my best hopes be shattered:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!

(from In Love With The Divine Outcast, compiled by A Religious, Pelligrini, Australia, 1934, pp. 538-539)

Carl Bille Painting