Beggar's Bread

a hymn by A.B. Simpson

Once it was the blessing; Now it is the Lord;

Once it was the feeling; Now it is His Word;

Once His gift I wanted; Now the Giver own;

Once I sought for healing; Now Himself alone.

All in all forever; Only Christ I’ll sing;

Everything is in Christ; And Christ is everything.

Once ‘twas painful trying; Now ‘tis perfect trust;

Once a half salvation; Now the uttermost;

Once ‘twas ceaseless holding; Now He holds me fast;

Once ‘twas constant drifting; Now my anchor’s cast.

Once ‘twas busy planning; Now ‘tis trustful prayer;

Once ‘twas anxious caring; Now He has the care;

Once ‘twas what I wanted; Now what Jesus says;

Once ‘twas constant asking; Now ‘tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working; His it hence shall be;

Once I tried to use Him; Now He uses me;

Once the pow’r I wanted; Now the Mighty One;

Once for self I labored; Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus; Now I know He’s mine;

Once my lamps were dying; Now they brightly shine;

Once for death I waited; Now His coming hail;

And my hopes are anchored; Safe within the veil.