Poems (Shipton)/The Watch-Tower
THE WATCH-TOWER.
"Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee."—Psalm xxv. 20.
"Thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me."—Isaiah xlix. 23.
"It will surely come, it will not tarry."—Habakkuk ii. 3.
I will stand alone on my watch-tower, And hear what my Lord will say; I've watched there many a midnight, And the noon of a sultry day. I have cast my bread on the waters; I shall surely find it again, Though now, to my poor heart's vision, It seems to be all in vain.
The Lord hath His time appointed; I know not when it may be; But the blessing my soul is seeking Will be given at last to me. It may come in the silent watches, When the world lieth weary and still; It may come when my hope sinks lowest, The depth of my spirit to thrill.
I know it will come. I am gazing Into the distance afar, As the wise men watched for the rising, Through Eastern night, of their star: And a star will rise on my darkness That Herod shall ne'er destroy; I shall know the light I have longed for, And "rejoice with exceeding joy."
It may come in another fashion Than e'er I pictured its ray; It may rise o'er the dull, cold mountain, Like the dawn of a summer's day. It may come like the lightning flashing, Or loud as the thunder's blast; But the Lord, who is strong in battle, Will answer my prayer at last.
Thou hast spoken, and Thou wilt do it: I will tarry in hope, and see; For none ever walked in darkness, And waited in vain for Thee. I know that my prayer will be answered; The Lord never comes too late; And the heart that will trust Him fully Shall never be desolate.
It may come when my dust lies sleeping, Awaiting my Saviour's call; But my last prayer, safe in His keeping, Will shine there fairest of all. It may come when the enemy scoffeth, But I will believe Thee, Lord; For they who dwell in Thy presence, May take their rest on Thy word.
My star—nay, Thy star, my Master!— To shine in Thy crown so fair: This is my hope in my sadness, This is the strength of my prayer. Thou workest in signs and wonders: Thy promise shall cheer me again. Long have I waited on Thee, Lord; None ever waited in vain.
I will stand alone on my watch-tower, If so I may do Thy will: Keep me to watch for my star-rise, Patiently watching there still. Thou wilt answer my prayer for Thy glory, Master beloved! Thou wilt bless, And quicken my heart in Thy praises, To tell of Thy faithfulness.
"Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me."—Micah vii. 7.