He Goes Before

Dark is the sky, and veiled the unknown ‘morrow.
Dark is life’s way, for night is not yet o’er.
The longed for glimpse, I may not meanwhile borrow,
But this I know and trust, He goes before.

Dangers are near, and fears my mind are shaking.
Heart seems to dread, what life may hold in store.
But I am His. He knows the way I’m taking.
More blessed even still, He goes before.

Doubts cast their weird unwelcome shadows o'er me.
Doubts that life’s best, life’s choicest things are o'er.
What but His word can strengthen can restore me,
and this blessed fact that still He goes before.

He goes before, be this my consolation.
He goes before, on this my heart will dwell.
He goes before, this guarantees salvation.
He goes before, and therefore all is well.

J. Danson Smith

background and graphics by Mary Stephens
vintage graphic: unknown, published 2020; CA