Usurping

The Devil would exalt himself
To be as the Most High,
By imitating Providence;
And often, so do I.

The Prince of Darkness tries to shape
Events to suit his mind;
And I, as well, would have control:
In me his ways I find.

Yes, I would cast God from His throne
When things don't go my way-
And for God's will, exalt my own,
Exerting sinful sway.

I'll sin to try to make events
Go as I think they should;
As if I could, by being bad,
Work all things for my good!

"I trust in God," I often sing -
In piety divine,
But when I cannot see the way
It's "not Thy will, but mine!"

Oh, God, my sinful heart would cast
Thy rule from my soul -
Lord, cast instead my sin aside,
And take complete control!

MC