p. 4 | He Understands by Myra Goodwin Plantz

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1914

He Understands

By Myra Goodwin Plantz

We do not know why Marah's waters flow Before the place where Elim's palm trees grow, To cool the desert sands, Nor why when Canaan looks so sweet and fair, Strong, deadly foes are waiting everywhere, But then God understands.

We cannot see why Jacob, all night long, Must hold his feeble arm against the Strong To get his high demands, Nor why e'en now some souls in anguish plead When God is waiting to supply each need; But then he understands.

We can but wonder why some lives are bound With chains of steel, nor hear a sweeter sound Than toil's severe commands, While time makes melody for other ears, As perfect as music of the spheres; But then he understands.

There must be purpose in our pain and strife, And when rue mingles with the wine of life, If we are in his hands; So when we cannot conquer with the strong, We need not with the vanquished suffer wrong, Because he understands.

Sometimes I look upon the glowing west, And think I see some shining mountain crest In distant Eden lands, And grateful for the way my feet have trod, I care not which the path if close to God, Because he understands.

— Myra Goodwin Plantz.