Can gladness come out of affliction?
Can joy out of sorrow be born?
And after a night of bereavement,
Can happiness come in the morn?
God's presence is found in affliction,
He's ready to answer the cry,
To banish the fears and the doubtings,
With "Be of good cheer, it is I."
His love for His child is unchanging,
Although it seem veiled in a cloud;
'Tis only with purpose of blessing,
Affliction is ever allowed.
God's instrument oft is affliction,
For molding and training His own,
But all through the trial and testing
His love and His mercy are shown.
Continue to trust through the trial,
To murmur not, nor be dismayed;
The Lord will not leave nor forsake thee,
He comforts with "Be not afraid."
God holdeth the key to affliction,
The end from beginning is known,
'Tis not that He willingly sends it,
But in faithfulness unto His own.
Affliction is "But for a moment,"
But after its purpose is wrought,
The blessing will go on forever,
The fruit that the trial has brought.
Yes, gladness can come through affliction,
And joy out of sorrow is born,
The night may be heavy with weeping,
But happiness comes in the morn.