Zion's Harp ‎#244

244. Waiting is to be our earthly schooling

1 Waiting is to be our earthly schooling Which here with our first breath takes its start, Never ending till by God’s own ruling Our faint spirit shall in peace depart. 2 Waiting was the lot of all God’s servants: Joseph, David, Abraham and all Who in service were found true and fervent, And whom God unto great deeds did call. 3 He Himself, the crown of all creation, Once in darkest workshop was prepared; Gloomy nights preceded exaltation; After suff’ring, heaven’s bliss was shared. 4 See the husbandman, his seed now strewing On the earthly field in hope and fear, In God’s promise still his trust renewing, Till spring sunshine makes the sprouts appear. 5 Few fruits ripen from the spring-time sunshine; Not till autumn is abundance shown; Without waiting we ne’er feel the rapture Of a precious, bounteous harvest grown. 6 God oft gave beyond all expectation More than heart had wished for to behold; Should not this give us new inspiration To await what His word has foretold? 7 Ne’er a word of God was uttered vainly, Although its fulfillment seemed afar; Noble things take time, though promised plainly; And the very best we find in God. 8 Battle bravely tow’rd that destination, Though the night of waiting now enfold; Other brethren bore yet more privation, Yet through conflict, vict’ry did behold. 9 Vict’ry shalt thou win through fiery trials Pure and in the likeness of thy Lord; Worthy to partake of joyful blessings, Therefore, wait now for that great reward. 10 Waiting, hoping here in darkest silence, Leads us to that future happiness; Waiting, trusting oft with fear and trembling Brings glad tiding of eternal bliss.

Text Information

• First Line: Waiting is to be our earthly schooling
• Original Language: German
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2003
• Source: Felix Schneider's Sammlungen für Liebhaber christlicher Wahrheit und Gottseligkeit, Basel, Switzerland, 1811

Tune Information

(No tune information)