“Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isa. 30:2121And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)).
I am watching at Thy gateway:
Master, speak “a word,” I pray!
Life’s journey lies before me,
A lonely, rugged way.
Oh, speak a word of power,
Which my soul will gladly own
Was just the word I needed,
And meant for me alone!
Some, more richly, grandly gifted,
‘Midst the throng of hurrying feet,
Sound the tidings—Thou art “coming,”
In the busy, crowded street.
Souls arrested stand to listen,
Wooed and won for heaven above
By that tale of matchless sorrow,
And that tale of wondrous love!
But more humble is my service:
Can I give it such a name
While my heart is filled with sorrow,
And my head is bowed in shame?
Few to speak to, few to listen
As I point them up above;
For the words are faint and faltering,
And my only “gift” is love.
But I’m watching at Thy gateway
For “a word” of sympathy
To some broken heart to whisper,
A message straight from Thee
That blest acquaintanceship with grief
Which Thou didst learn below,
Has fitted Thee to minister
To every child of woe.
And give “a word” to keep me
From snares which lie around;
A melody to charm me
From every earthly sound.
A message—by Thy Spirit
Brought home in power—I pray,
Of guidance, cheer, or warning;
A message for today
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