His Control, My Trust

The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord, 

as are the watercourses; 

He turns it whichever way He wills. 

Proverbs 21:1

Patience endures her scholars with content of mind, and evenness of temper, preventing all repining grumbling, and impatient desires, and inordinate affections; disappointments here are no crosses, and all anxious thoughts are disarmed of their sting; in her habitations dwell quietness, submission, and long-suffering, all fierce turbulent inclinations are hereby allayed.  The eyes of the patient fixedly wait the inward power of God's providence, and they are thereby mightily enabled towards their salvation and preservation.  ~Thomas Tryon.

Freedom in Prison

by Madame Guyon

A little bird I am, Shut from the fields of air; 
And in my cage I sit and sing; To Him who place me there; 
Well pleased a prisoner to be,

Because, my God, it pleases Thee.

My cage confines me round; Abroad I cannot fly;

But though my wing is closely bound, My heart’s at liberty.

My prison walls can not control The flight,
the freedom of my soul.

Oh, it is good to soar; These bolts and bars above,

To Him whose purpose I adore, Whose providence I love:

And in thy mighty will to find

The joy, the freedom of the mind.