O happy storm that casts the soul upon the Rock Christ Jesus,
O blessed gale that drives the heart to seek a shelter there.
O joyful waves that bear me up where loving arms can reach me,
O faithful winds that press me in and hold me near.
O matchless love that beckons me,
O boundless grace that sets me free,
O wondrous joy that I may be — hid — in the Rock Christ Jesus.
All nature serves the great Creator, washing hapless souls ashore
To find the solid Rock and cling … now and evermore.
Appropriate ending:
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee.
(Augustus M. Toplady, 1776; “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me.”)
From Bits and Pieces and More by Helen Gobble, p. 85
Bits and Pieces and More 