When Thou Passest Through the Waters

Is there any heart discouraged as it journeys on its way? 

Does there seem to be more darkness than there is of sunny day? 

Oh, it’s hard to learn the lesson, as we pass beneath the rod, 

That the sunshine and the shadow serve alike the will of God; 

But there comes a word of promise like the promise in the bow — 

That however deep the waters, they shall never overflow. 

When the flesh is worn and weary, and the spirit is depressed, 

And temptations sweep upon it, like a storm on ocean’s breast, 

There’s a haven ever open for the tempest-driven bird; 

There’s a shelter for the tempted in the promise of the Word; 

For the standard of the Spirit shall be raised against the foe, 

And however deep the waters, they shall never overflow. 

When a sorrow comes upon you that no other soul can share, 

And the burden seems too heavy for the human heart to bear, 

There is One whose grace can comfort if you’ll give Him an abode;

There’s a Burden-Bearer ready if you’ll trust Him with your load; 

For the precious promise reaches to the depth of human woe, 

That however deep the waters, they shall never overflow. 

When the sands of life are ebbing and I know that death is near; 

When I’m passing through the valley, and the way seems dark and drear; 

I will reach my hand to Jesus, in His bosom I shall hide, 

And ’twill only be a moment till I reach the other side; 

It is then the fullest meaning of the promise I shall know. 

“When thou passest through the waters, they shall never overflow.”

Author unknown. This is based on Isaiah 43:2. I found it in the book Comfort the Grieving, by Brian Tautges. The poem is also available in tract form HERE.