Let Yourself Alone

LET YOURSELF ALONE

Vain and fruitless is the struggle
Self to sanctify;
God alone can cleanse and keep you,
Wherefore should you try?
Oh, the needless cares and conflicts
You had never known,
If you'd learned the simple lesson, -
Let yourself alone.

Let your eyes keep looking upward;
Cease to look within;
All your introspection cannot
Cleanse a single sin.
You will find your best self effort
Vain, and worse than vain,
As the touch of soiled fingers
Only leaves a stain.

Leave your rights and reputation
In the Master's hand.
What though men misunderstand you,
Jesus understands;
He can shield and vindicate you,
Right your every wrong,
Turn the hate of men and devils
Into joy and song.

It is life you need, not labor -
Life that springs from Him;
If you'd have your cup run over,
Fill it to the brim.
All the springs of power and blessing
Flow from yonder throne;
If you'd have them fill and flood you,
Let yourself alone.