Introduction
Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss, in The Prize, edited by George F. Root (Cincinnati, Ohio: John Church, 1870) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss, in The Prize, edited by George F. Root (Cincinnati, Ohio: John Church, 1870) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Some years ago I was in the dark,
a young lady of London told me, and was seeking the Lord day and night; but I could get no rest or peace for my soul. For two or three weeks the title of ‘There’s a Light in the Valley’ kept ringing through my ears. I had never carefully read through the hymn, but in my constant pleading with the Lord I always begged for this light of the valley to be given to me.
And one night Christ gave the light I had been asking for. I cannot describe my joy when I could say, There is a light in the valley for me.
I scarcely slept that night, for the words would come to me again and again. It is now my privilege, sometimes, to help sing them for others, and then they seem to bring a fresh wave of my Saviour’s love to me, as they did on that blessed night.
Sankey, pp. 285–86
Through the valley of the shadow I must go,
Where the cold waves of Jordan roll;
But the promise of my shepherd I will know,
Be the rod and the staff to my soul.
Even now down the valley as I glide,
I can hear my Savior say, Follow me!
And with Him I’m not afraid to cross the tide;
There’s a light in the valley for me.
Refrain
There’s a light in the valley,
There’s a light in the valley,
There’s a light in the valley for me,
And no evil will I fear
While my Shepherd is so near,
There’s a light in the valley for me.
Now the rolling of the billows I can hear,
As they beat on the turf bound shore;
But the beacon light of love so bright and clear,
Guides my bark, frail and lone, safely o’er.
I shall find down the valley no alarms,
For my Savior’s blessèd smile I can see;
He will bear me in His loving, mighty arms,
There’s a light in the valley for me.
Refrain