Graduation

I saw the sun break through the night; my joy rose with the dawn.
But when the clouds obscured the light, my gladness, too, was gone.
Look not to fading earthly light to gladden and to cheer you--
I am the Dayspring from on High, and I am ever near you!

I sought fulfillment in a goal of which I long had dreamed,
But learned too late, to my dismay, 'twas not as it had seemed.
If in a dream you put your trust, its emptiness will grieve you--
I am the Life, the Truth, the Way, and I will not deceive you!

So pleased was I with good I'd done, until I looked within.
'Twas then I knew my purest breath was tainted through with sin.
There's naught but trusting in My blood can from sin's guilt relieve you--
I am the Lord your Righteousness, and I'll in grace receive you.

I found a friend so kind and true; my heart so strong had grown.
But flesh is frail, and death is cold, and now I walk alone.
If strength depends on earthly friends, defeat will soon o'ertake you--
I only am Eternal Love, and I will not forsake you!

I filled my life with treasures dear; my heart was so content.
But now the things that brought me joy are faded, soiled, and bent.
The things of earth will pass away and of their joys bereave you--
'Tis I who am your Great Reward, and I will never leave you!

May eternal values be your guide, and Christ Himself your goal.

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8

As you step out upon the path that God has called you to,
I’m comforted to know that God Himself will go with you.
And often, as I kneel in prayer, I’ll lift you to the Lord
And claim for you the grace and strength He’s promised in His Word.

The future is as bright as God’s promises, it’s true—
I’m sure that God has many blessings held in store for you!
But since this world is not a friend to those who walk in Light,
The joy of serving God will not be yours without a fight.

The road ahead may lead to places distant and unknown;
Perhaps there’ll be a narrow bridge that must be crossed alone.
And on the way, no doubt, you’ll pass through deserts hot and dry,
And days so full of darkness that your hope will seem to die.

But God, Who out of darkness first commanded forth the light,
Has lit His fire within your heart; for you have had a sight
Of glory in the face of Christ, through day and night the same—
And all the darkness in the world cannot put out this flame!

So when the difficulties come and threaten with defeat,
Just keep your eyes turned up to God, not toward your stumbling feet,
And when your strength begins to die, your courage to depart,
The breath of God will blow rekindling fire into your heart.

May the light of God’s Word warm your heart and brighten your path!

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:6

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105