For Your New Year

With a solemn step and stately
Draws the old year to a close.
Day by day it has recorded
Joys and blessings, trials and woes.

Has it wrought in you some progress
Toward the Father's blest design
That his work perfected in you
Should reflect his power divine?

Is faith stronger and hope brighter
Than it was a year ago?
Does desire for God's approval
Burn with fervent steady glow?

Solemn questions, all important,
Yes, 'tis not with slavish fear
That you face the hidden problems
Of another opening year.

Not alone you tread life's pathway,
Our deliverer walks beside.
Promised guidance, peace and comfort
To the end he will provide.

Strengthen thus your faith and courage
And the love that casts out fear.
Then with peaceful expectation
You will enter your new year.

Songs of the Nightingale