Musing alone, half sadly
Waiting the coming year:
Link’d with hopes for the future,
Thoughts of the past more dear.
Memories rich in mercy—
Sunshine too bright to last:
Ah! there are speechless yearnings
Circling around that past.
But with soft, holy soothing
Rises o’er all one voice,
Breathing a new year’s message,
Bidding thy soul rejoice.
Now by His Spirit speaking
Hear thy Lord’s word to thee—
“Let not your heart be troubled
Only—believe in ME.”
Standing thus on its threshold,
Watching the dawning year:
Looking off all to Jesus,
Hush’d be each doubt and fear.
All through the hidden future,
Plann’d by a Father’s love—
God, thine own God, shall lead thee
Safe to the Home above.
Yes, though the path be trial,
Gladness, or toil, or care,
The arch of covenant promise
Spans it still everywhere.
Here on the new year’s portal,
Jesus hath traced for thee—
“Let not your heart be troubled,
Only—believe in ME.”