Still, Still With Thee

 

"If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me."
(Psalm 139: 9-10)

Sunrise at Beach Haven

 Ocean County New Jersey

(July 4, 2022)

Photograph courtesy/Anna Loscotoff Author

Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,

When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;

Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,

Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee.

Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,

The solemn hush of nature newly born;

Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,

In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

As in the dawning o'er the waveless ocean

The image of the morning star doth rest,

So in the stillness Thou beholdest only

Thine image in the waters of my breast.

Still, still with Thee, as to each newborn morning,

A fresh and solemn splendor still is given,

So does this blessed consciousness, awaking,

Breathe each day nearness unto Thee and Heaven.

When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,

Its closing eye looks up to Thee in prayer;

Sweet the repose beneath the wings o'ershading,

But sweeter still to wake and find Thee there.

So shall it be at last, in that bright morning,

When the soul waketh and life's shadows flee;

O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning

Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee.

"Still, Still With Thee"
(1855)
Harriet Elizabeth Beecher Stowe
(1811-1896)
Prolific American writer and author
 of the novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin".

Harriet Stowe often rose at 4:30 in the morning for an
early walk.  It was at this time-walking in silence before
the start of each day-which inspired this hymn.