I sojourn in this foreign land,
Encircled by my enemies.
Affliction has become my friend,
A kinship born of suffering.
But hope yields comfort in distress,
That quiets fear and mends each pain;
An anthem in my wilderness:
To live is Christ, to die is gain.

 

To live is Christ, to die is gain.
My life surrendered to His call.
By faith I see the promise lies beyond this frame.
To live is Christ, to die is gain.

 

All day I feel the scorching winds
Of fists and blows, of hate and strife.
Their billows shake my soul within –
They lie in wait to take my life.
But in my God my trust shall be;
I’ll cling to Him when I’m afraid.
For what can mere man do to me?
To live is Christ, to die is gain.

 

My God, You know my journey’s end –
Each step designed with loving care.
You catch each fallen tear I shed,
For every moment You were there.
When through this vale of tears I pass
Into my rest beyond the plain,
In glory shall I fully grasp:
To live is Christ, to die is gain.