Scripture Verse

It is I; be not afraid. Matthew 14:27

Introduction

portrait
Isaiah Baltzell (1832–1893)

Words: Is­ai­ah Balt­zell, in the New Star­ry Crown, ed­it­ed by Al­dine Kief­fer (Sing­ers Glen, Vir­gin­ia: Rue­bush-Kief­fer, 1877).

Music: Al­dine S. Kief­fer (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Aldine S. Kieffer
1840–1904

Lyrics

When the storm in its fury
On Ga­li­lee fell,
And lifted its waters on high,
And the faithless disciples
Were bound in the spell,
Jesus whispered, Fear not, it is I.

Refrain

It is I, it is I;
Fear not, trembling one, It is I.
In the midst of the storm,
In the midst of the gloom,
Fear not, trembling one, It is I.

The storm could not bury
That word in the wave,
’Twas taught thro’ the tempest to fly;
It shall reach His disciples
In every clime,
Saying, Be not afraid, it is I.

Refrain

When the spirit is broken
With sorrow and care,
And comfort is rea­dy to die,
Then the darkness shall pass,
And the sunshine appear,
By the life giving word, It is I.

Refrain

When death is at hand,
And the cottage of clay
Is left with a tremulous sigh,
The gracious Re­deem­er
Will light all the way,
With the soul cheering word, It is I.

Refrain

When the river is passed,
And the glories unknown
Burst forth on the wondering eye,
He will welcome, encourage,
And comfort His own,
Saying, Be not afraid, it is I.

Refrain