"Deceivers" As The World May Deem

1 "Deceivers" as the world may deem,
"Yet true" without disguise;
"Unknown," on earth of poor esteem,
Yet "well known in the skies."

2 We die in daily scenes of strife,
Beneath the cross and rod;
Yet living still the life of life,
Here hid with Christ in God.

3 "Chastened," yet chastened by the Lord,
Not wholly giv’n to death;
"Not killed," since living on His word,
And breathing with His breath.

4 As sorrowing o’er secret sin,
O’er doubts, and fears; yet still
Rejoicing ever, since within
God’s joy our hearts does fill.

5 "Poor" in the riches of this earth,
Yet in those treasures, which
Are ours by right of a new birth,
As "making many rich."

6 As ’mid a false and faithless race,
A band both weak and small;
"As having nothing," yet thro’ grace
Inheritors of all!

7 E’en such are Christians! pain and loss
Here often weigh them down;
They’re known on earth oft by their cross,
In Heav’n but by their crown.

8 Yet not the cross alone is theirs,
Nor wait they to be blest;
For even here, ’mid griefs and cares,
They "enter into rest."

9 And thus, by each salvation spring
Found in life’s desert plain,
For us "to live is Christ," they sing,
For us "to die is gain."

10 Such make me, Lord! In mercy make,
That thus my gain may be,
To "sleep in Jesus," and awake
Well "satisfied with Thee!"

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #14648