Through all these stories, so many mountain top but, also, deep valley experiences! May I simply quote the entirety of the hymn, the first two verses of which I included, yesterday? These are verses that, surely, Abraham and Isaac and Joshua and the saints of old could have sung with us.
When the dark waves round us roll,
And we look in vain for aid,
Speak, Lord, to the trembling soul,
“It is I; be not afraid.”
When we dimly trace Thy form
In mysterious clouds arrayed,
Be the echo of the storm,
“It is I; be not afraid.”
When our brightest hopes depart,
When our fairest visions fade,
Whisper to the fainting heart,
“It is I; be not afraid.”
When we weep beside the bier
Where some well-loved form is laid,
O may then the mourner hear,
“It is I; be not afraid.”
When with wearing hopeless pain
Sinks the spirit, sore dismayed,
Breathe Thou then the comfort-strain,
“It is I; be not afraid.”
When we feel the end is near,
Passing into death's dark shade,
May the voice be strong and clear,
“It is I; be not afraid.” -- William Walsham How
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