Needful and Near

"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain" (Psalm 127:1).  "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.  The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD" (Proverbs 21:30,31).   "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see… One thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:23,42).  

We build and battle all in vain

Unless we recognize our need

To trust the Lord who will sustain

All those who by His grace succeed. 

Apart from Christ we neither build

Nor triumph for eternity. 

In Christ our deepest needs are filled,

And by His truth we are made free. 

How blest are eyes that see these things

And ears that hear what we have heard

In counsel that He daily brings

So needful for us in His Word!

O Lord, how needful and how near

You are to us who trust in You,

As daily we delight to hear

What You have done and yet will do.