Consolation

When I sink down in gloom or fear,
  Hope blighted or delay’d,
Thy whisper, Lord, my heart shall cheer,
  “ ’Tis I; be not afraid!”

Or, startled at some sudden blow,
  If fretful thoughts I feel,
“Fear not, it is but I!” shall flow,
  As balm my wound to heal.

Nor will I quit Thy way, though foes
  Some onward pass defend;
From each rough voice the watchword goes,
  “Be not afraid!⁠ ⁠… a friend!”

And oh! when judgment’s trumpet clear
  Awakes me from the grave,
Still in its echo may I hear,
  “ ’Tis Christ; He comes to save.”