How Far From Home?

How Far From Home?

Text written in 1853 by Annie R. Smith (1828-1855)

Sung to the tune TIS MIDNIGHT HOUR

Isaiah 21:11, 12 A prophecy against Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir,

“Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back yet again.”

V. 1 How far from home? I asked, as on

I bent my steps--the watchman spake:

"The long, dark night is almost gone,

The morning soon will break.

Then weep no more, but speed thy flight,

With Hope's bright star thy guiding ray,

Till thou shalt reach the realms of light,

In everlasting day."

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

V. 2 I asked the warrior on the field;

This was his soul-inspiring song:

"With courage, bold, the sword I'll wield,

The battle is not long.

Then weep no more, but well endure

The conflict, till thy work is done;

For this we know, the prize is sure,

When victory is won."

Luke 21:25 There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.

Romans 8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 

1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

V. 3 I asked again; earth, sea, and sun

Seemed, with one voice, to make reply:

"Time's wasting sands are nearly run,

Eternity is nigh.

Then weep no more--with warning tones,

Portentous signs are thickening round,

The whole creation, waiting, groans,

To hear the trumpet sound."

Revelation 7:14, 17 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’

‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”

V. 4 Not far from home! O blessed thought!

The traveler's lonely heart to cheer;

Which oft a healing balm has brought,

And dried the mourner's tear.

Then weep no more, since we shall meet

Where weary footsteps never roam--

Our trials past, our joys complete,

Safe in our Father's home.