My spirit thrills with joy, O God, While reading Thy inspiring word. In every glowing line I trace The richness of Thy truth and grace. "O whither from Thee shall I flee! Thou art continually with me." Over, around, where'er I move, I feel o'ershadowed by Thy love.
How can we deem Thee far away, When Thou art nearer every day Than we dare even dream or know! With trembling hands, we searching go, If haply we may find Thee near, Or touch Thy shining garments fair; While Thou art ever at our side, Through all the way our surest guide.
I think, to-day, while looking back O'er life's uneven, toilsome track, Where I once thought the way obscure, I plainly see that Thou wast near, Leading me on through ways unknown, When I believed myself alone; My heart so full of grief and pain I could not find the light again.
I saw not then Thy loving smile, So sweet and tender all the while, Still seeking, in my selfishness, For more, deserving even less; Borrowing oft a spectre load Of care and trouble on the road, While evils I had never feared, With bitter grief my heart have seared.
Yearning to find the truest good, When at the very fount I stood, I took not from Thy proffered hand The treasure sought, so rich and grand. Help me, O God, to feel and know That Thou art with me here below; That I may ever surely be, In spirit and in truth, with Thee.
