Encouragement
Time was whene’er the saints I met
With joy and praise my bosom glowed;
But now like Eli sad I sit,
And tremble for the ark of God.
While thus to grief my soul gave way,
To see the work of God decline,
Methoght I heard my Saviour say,
“Dismiss thy fears, the ark is mine.
“Though for a time I hid My face,
Rely upon My love and power;
Still wrestle at a throne of grace,
And wait for a reviving hour.
“Take down thy long-neglected harp,
I’ve seen thy tears and heard thy prayer;
The winter season has been sharp,
But spring shall all its wastes repair.”
Lord, I obey, my hopes revive.
Come join with me, ye saints, and sing;
Our foes in vain against us strive,
For God will help and healing bring.
John Newton