Rent by furious evil, all creation
Waits to see the nearing day
When stand revealed the sons of God,
In righteousness their white array.
Though bitter trial still befall us—
Sorrowing may not soon cease—
Yet someday our fal'tring steps
Will reach a lasting peace.
Every path that stretches into future
Scenes goes through a land of woe.
But graciously our Shepherd leads,
Now guarding us as on we go.
Though heavy night drapes all our vistas,
Whether to the left or right,
Sight bedimmed does not hold back
Those walking in His light.
Though it seems that hope is foolish comfort—
Swirling darkness fills the skies—
All men of God renounce despair,
They know that shadows tell us lies.
Though stiff-necked hatred still would thwart us—
Right is slow subduing wrong—
Let our blackest doubts be burned
In brightest fires of song.
1976, 2019
These are the words to a four-part hymn composed by Ed Rickard.