The Veil Which Hides His Face

I stood a mendicant of God
before His royal throne,
and begged Him for one priceless gift
which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand
but as I would depart, I cried:
But Lord! This is a thorn
and it has pierced my heart;
this is a strange and hurtful gift
which Thou hast given me.

He said, “My child, I give good gifts
and I gave my best to thee.”
I took it home and though at first
the cruel thorn hurt sore,
as long years past
I learned at last
to love it more and more.

I learned He never gives a thorn
without this added grace:
He takes the thorn to pin aside
the veil which hides His face.

~Martha Nicholson


I've always enjoyed this poem. It has been a sweet source of blessing in my life many times over the years and I share with you today, hoping that it will bless you too! My two favorite lines are:

1) “My child, I give good gifts
and I gave my best to thee.”

2) I learned He never gives a thorn
without this added grace:
He takes the thorn to pin aside
the veil which hides His face.