[Alone, to face the Powers of darkness here]
“Ye shall leave Me alone: and yet I am
not alone, because the Father is with Me.”
—John xvi. 32.
Alone, to face the Powers of darkness here,
Forsaken of the friends He held so dear;
Yet never less alone, for God was near!
So in the waste, dim wilderness at first
His work began, with hunger faint and thirst,
And the fell Tempter fain to do his worst.
Lonely His sun rose, lonely too it set,
But round it trailing clouds of glory met,
For God was with Him, and His peace was great.
Not in the forest grows the noblest tree;
All highest life a solitude must be,
Apart, with only God for company.
But when forsaken, we are haply thrown
Upon the Father's loving care alone,
And left to lean against the eternal throne.
How should we fear if He be at our side?
Or falter if His face He do not hide?
Or feel alone if He with us abide?
