He Leadeth Me

My grandfather passed away in January, just two weeks before I gave birth to our sweet daughter Aivenne. I still ache when I think how he just missed getting to hold her but I am continually comforted at the joyful thought of her running into his embrace in Heaven. This last week I was given (among other things I treasure) a little devotional book of his entitled He Leadeth Me by V. Raymond Edman, who was the president of Wheaton College when the book was published (copyright 1959). Inside the book I have found dates (1966!) and check marks where my grandpa noted sections that he used in sermons and prayers. I forgot to mention that my grandpa was a preacher. I loved my grandpa and although he was a little bit of a mystery to me at times, I am forever thankful for his love of Jesus that touched my life and so many others. Every portion that I have read in this book has not failed to move, convict, encourage and touch me in some way. I'm thankful to Grandpa for leaving this for me to pour over and to have this in common in our spiritual journeys.

He Leadeth Me

He leadeth me.
In pastures green? No, not always.
Sometimes He who knoweth best
In kindness leadeth me in weary ways
Where heavy shadows be;
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine into the darkest night.
I oft would yield to sorrow and to fright
Only for this: I know He holds my hand.
So, whether led in green, or desert land
I trust, although I cannot understand.

He leadeth me.
Beside still waters? No, not always so.
Oft times the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storm beats wildest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by
And whispers to my soul: "Lo, it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say:
"Beyond the darkness lies the perfect day;
In every path of thine I lead the way."

So whether on the hilltops, high and fair
I dwell, or in the sunless valleys, where
The shadows lie- what matter? He is there.
And more than this; where'er the pathway lead
He gives to me no helpless, broken reed,
But His Own hand, sufficient for my need.
So where He leads me I can safely go.
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.
-Author Unknown