Footprints (Rob Atkins)

tune: Londonderry Air (O Danny Boy)

Rob is a new friend from Wales, a pastor, songwriter and musician.
Thanks Rob!

Upon the shore I walked with him at even
And I looked back upon the path we'd trod
And in the sand I traced our way at even
And I was glad I'd walked through life with God,
For side by side we'd journeyed through together
All through the world's wide wilderness of care
And side by side we'd journeyed through to even:
Safe at his side the Lord my God had brought me here.

But in my joy I caught a strain of sadness
To give me pause when thinking of my way
For on the shore I saw he'd left me lonely
When I had most the need of him to stay:
When I was tried he'd left me worn and wandering,
He'd left me lone when I was fighting fears,
He'd let me tread the steepest slopes in solitude
Before he came back to my side to dry my tears.

But then the Lord drew near to me in comfort
And in his tenderness he made it plain
That in the times when dread and darkness threatened
He was my shield and shelter from the pain:
For on his shoulders he was gently bearing
And on his shoulders I from harm was free:
The single trace of footprints of the master,
The single trace of footprints shows he carried me.

So on the shore I walk with him at even:
I face the latter days of life secure,
For if my pilgrimage reserves me sorrow
The footprints show that he is strong and sure:
If I am near the gates if heaven weary,
No longer strong enough to stride alone,
The footprints show that he is there to carry me,
The footprints show the Lord my God will bear me home.