262. Sovereign ruler of the skies

Author: John Ryland 1753-1825

Sovereign ruler of the skies,
ever gracious, ever wise,
all my times are in your hand,
all events at your command.

2. He that formed me in the womb
guides my footsteps till the tomb;
all my times shall ever be
ordered by his wise decree.

3. Times of sickness, times of health,
times of poverty or wealth,
times of trial, times of grief,
times of triumph and relief;

4. Times the tempter’s power is faced,
times a Saviour’s love to taste-
all must come, and last, and end,
as shall please my heavenly friend.

5. Mortal dangers round me fly;
till he bids, I cannot die;
not a single arrow hits
till, in love, our God permits.

6. God all-gracious, wise and just,
in your hands my life I trust;
you at all times I will bless:
having you, I all possess.

Scriptures: Luke 23:46, Psalms 139:13-16, Job 14:5, Luke 1:79, Psalms 145:1, Psalms 48:14, Isaiah 44:24, Psalms 22:9-10, 2 Corinthians 6:10, Psalms 31:5, Genesis 50:19-20, Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 14:24, Psalms 33:11, 1 Kings 22:34, 2 Chronicles 18:33, Psalms 31:15, Psalms 34:1-9, Psalms 71:5-6, Psalms 91:5-7, Psalms 106:1-2, Isaiah 44:2, Isaiah 49:1, Isaiah 49:5, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Galatians 1:15, Philippians 4:11-13