STANDING at the portal Of the opening year, Words of comfort meet us, Hushing every fear; Spoken through the silence By our Father’s voice, Tender, strong, and faithful, Making us rejoice.
Onward then, and fear not, Children of the day! For His Word shall never, ever pass away!
‘I, the Lord, am with thee, Be thou not afraid, I will help and strengthen, Be thou not dismayed! Yea, I will uphold thee With My own right hand; Thou art called and chosen In My sight to stand.’
For the year before us, O what rich supplies! For the poor and needy Living streams shall rise; For the sad and sinful Shall His grace abound; For the faint and feeble Perfect strength be found.
He will never fail us, He will not forsake; His eternal covenant He will never break. Resting on His promise, What have we to fear? God is all-sufficient For the coming year.
Frances Ridley Havergal, 1836-79