Bella Vista Church of Christ

LIFELINES

4/4/2018

A.C. Williams

 

I Walked The Path

I walked the path of suffering — I thought I was alone;

But soon I learned that others had heartaches like my own.

A legion come to join me — An understanding throng:

To share and bear our burdens — Heal suffering with song.

I found courage in their handclasp — I found patience in their calm;

I found hope in faith’s assurance — I found healing in their balm.

I’m not alone in suffering — I’m not alone in tears;

For those who weep with those who weep can wipe away my tears.

And too, when sore affliction comes — A dreary, rainy day;

I look inside my heart and find rich blessings stored away.

I take them from a treasure chest — And count them o’er and o’er;

I think how good God’s been — Why don’t we trust Him more?

If all were sun and sunshine — If clouds would never weep;

Would little flowers lift their heads — Would sowers ever reap?

The valleys down below us, but emphasize the heights;

Low-hanging clouds about us are pierced with shafts of light.

If sickness never hindered, and pain ne’er wracked our frame;

Would days of health be cherished, if suffering never came?

In deeps of life’s great ocean, may suffering be pearled;

And in the days of reck’ning be a gem of heaven’s world.

 

—A.C. Williams