Presence of Peace

When for the darkness
The way is not clear;
When footholds are few,
When rest is not near;
I have a dear Shepherd
Who certainly leads
Beside the still waters,
The rest, and the reeds.
In the absence of knowing
Is life with new lease;
In the absence of answers
Is presence of peace.
 
When wolves fill the shadows
With uncertain fright;
When the way to the sheepfold
Is covered by night;
I have a dear Shepherd
Who certainly leads,
Beside the still waters
The rest, and the reeds.
In the absence of sunlight
Is Jesus who sees;
In the absence of moonlight
Is presence of peace.
 
When the way is too steep,
And the sun is too hot;
When those we love sleep,
When we have—but have not;
I have a dear Shepherd
Who certainly leads,
Beside the still waters
The rest, and the reeds.
In the absence of dry eyes
Is deepest release,
In the absence of quiet
Is presence of peace.