The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
Words: James L. Nicholson, in Crystal Songs, edited by Otis W. Presbrey (Toledo, Ohio: Willard W. Whitney, 1877).
Music: John W. Bischoff (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Nicholson (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night His presence is near;
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessèd persuasion the Spirit brings in.
Refrain
The Lord is my light, my joy, and my song;
By day and by night He leads me along;
The Lord is my light, my joy, and my song;
By day and by night He leads me along;
The Lord is my light; though clouds may arise;
Faith, stronger than sight, looks up to the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign:
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?
Refrain
The Lord is my light, the Lord is my strength;
I know in His might I’ll conquer at length;
My weakness in mercy He covers with power,
And, walking by faith, He upholds me each hour.
Refrain
The Lord is my light, my all and in all;
There is in His sight no darkness at all;
He is my Redeemer, my Savior and king;
With saints and with angels His praises I sing.
Refrain