Hymn for New Year’s Day
Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
St. Matt. vi. 34.
Life’s course must recommence to-day,
Another path be trodden;
With heart new-strung I take my way,
Like patient pilgrim plodding;
With prayer and song my road I tread,
Thou, Lord, my steps wilt safely lead,
I walk, no ill foreboding.
I shrink not at the awful night,
My future path concealing;
For out of darkness springs forth light,
Thy wondrous power revealing:
I cannot now conceive thy ways,
But, in the light of heaven’s own rays,
Shall comprehend thy dealing.
Even or rough my road, I go,
Sure that thy hand protecteth;
The counsel of thy love, I know,
For me that path selecteth:
Let life or death then mark the year,
Be joy or grief my lot to bear,
All still my good effecteth.
Be far or near my journey’s end,
The thought shall not oppress me;
To Jesus I my way commend,
In life or death to bless me:
O Lord! my time is in thy hand,
In heaven my footsteps safely land,
And let heaven’s joy possess me.