Joy and Peace in Believing

I

Sometimes a light surprises
  The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
  With healing in his wings.
When comforts are declining,
  He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
  To cheer it after rain.

II

In holy contemplation,
  We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
  And find it ever new:
Set free from present sorrow,
  We cheerfully can say,
E’en let th’ unknown to-morrow
  Bring with it what it may.

III

It can bring with it nothing
  But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
  Will clothe his people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens
  No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
  Will give his children bread.

IV

Though vine nor fig-tree neither
  Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
  Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding,
  His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in him confiding,
  I cannot but rejoice.