He Leadeth Me

In pastures green?  Not always!  Sometimes He

Who knoweth best in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways where heavy shadows be.
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright--
Out of the sunshine into darkest night,

I oft would faint with sorrow and affright

Only for this--I know He holds my hand.
So whether in the green or desert land,

I trust, although I may not understand.
And by still waters?  No, not always so!
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go;
But when the storms beat loudest and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by
And whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear His say,
"Beyond this darkness lies perfect day.
In every path of thine, I lead the way."
So whether on the hilltops high and fair
I dwell, or in the sunless valleys where

The shadows lie, what matters?  He is there.
So where He leads me, I can safely go,
And in the blest hereafter, I shall know
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.
                              --John F. Chaplain