COMPANIONSHIP

We thank Thee, Lord, for weary days 
When desert springs were dry. 
And first we knew what depth of need 
Thy love could satisfy. 

Days when beneath the desert sun, 
Along the toilsome road. 
O'er roughest ways we walked with One, 
That One the Son of God. 

We thank Thee for that rest in Him 
The weary only know — 
The perfect, wondrous sympathy 
We needs must learn below : 

The sweet companionship of One 
Who once the desert trod ; 
The glorious fellowship with One 
Upon the throne of God ; 

The joy no desolations here 
Can reach, or cloud, or dim — 
The present Lord, the living God, 
And we alone with Him. 

We know Him as we could not know 
Through Heaven's golden years ; 
We there shall see His glorious Face, 
But Mary saw His tears. 

The touch that heals the broken heart 
Is never felt above ; 
His Angels know His blessedness, 
His way-worn saints His love. 

When in the glory and the rest 
We joyfully adore. 
Remembering the desert way 
We yet shall praise Him more. 

Remembering how, amidst our toil, 
Our conflict, and our sin. 
He brought the water for our thirst 
It cost His blood to win. 

And now in perfect peace we go 
Along the way He trod, 
Still learning from all need below 
Depths of the heart of God.

By Frances Bevan (1827-1909)