The pilgrim’s pathway here below
Is fraught with many a care and woe.
The days are dark, the nights are drear,
The tempest blows a gale severe.
Our little bark is often tossed,
Until we think that all is lost.
We sigh, we hope, we wish for day,
And on our knees we fall and pray
Just then, on crested billows high,
We see a form so very nigh,
Who says, “‘Tis I, be not afraid;
Why should you be like this dismayed?
Why did’st thou doubt, why did’st thou fear?
While all the time I’ve been so near;
The wind and waves that seemed so wild
Were just to try thy faith, my child.
For days and days have passed away,
Since you in secret went to pray;
These storms and winds will surely blow
Until your weakness you may know.
Until you learn My yoke to wear,
And find the rest to be found there;
Until you learn to watch and pray,
And of your time give Me each day.
It may be in the morning bright
That you will call for heavenly light;
Be sure and call and not refrain
To call upon the Savior’s name.
Neglected prayer—we cease to fight,
But prayer will keep the armor bright;
Then let us all begin today
With all our hearts to watch and pray.