African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal ‎#445

445. Life's Sea Oft-times Is Dark (I Cannot Drift)

1 Life's sea ofttimes is dark and dreary,
And maddening billows loudly roar;
Oft hope is faint, oft trust is weary,
I lose the lighthouse on the shore;
But Jesus Christ is still my pilot,
I seek His face and learn His will,
And then I hear His voice so gently:
Trust me, my child, I'm with thee still.

Refrain:
I cannot drift, I cannot drift;
His love attends me everywhere;
I cannot drift, I cannot drift,
I cannot drift beyond His care.

2 When billows wild are leaping blindly,
When sun and stars their faces hide;
My Captain pilots ever kindly,
By rock and shoals and stems the tide,
He will reward each care and sorrow,
He sails my bark my woes to share,
And when in Heaven dawns to morrow
We'll understand it was His care. [Refrain]

3 If we obey and trust Him ever,
His smiles will quiet our alarm;
If we sail on and doubt Him never,
What seems a gale will prove a calm,
And when the harbor lights burn dimly,
He bids the gates of glory lift,
And when we call He answers sweetly:
I'm at the helm, Thou canst not drift. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Life's sea ofttimes is dark and dreary
• Title: Life's Sea Oft-times Is Dark (I Cannot Drift)
• Author: James S. Hatcher
• Refrain First Line: I cannot drift, I cannot drift
• Meter: 98.98.D. with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2011
• Scripture:
  Luke 8:25
• Topic: The Christian Life: Faith and Assurance; God: Love and Fatherhood; Trust

Tune Information

• Name: I CANNOT DRIFT
• Composer: James S. Hatcher
• Meter: 98.98.D. with Refrain
• Key: B♭ Major