Do not be Afraid for I am With You (When you Walk Through the Waters) - Markland

This hymn is calling people to trust in God. The words are based on Isaiah 43:1-4 - unlike other hymns with similar titles, which are generally based on one of the Psalms.

It was written by English Roman Catholic teacher and writer Gerard Markland (b 1953).

The song was first published in Songs of the Spirit - Songs and Hymns of the Renewal by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in 1978. Today sheet music is available in various hymnals including Hymns Old and New, both Catholic and Anglican editions.

With irregular meter, it was originally set to the tune which Markland wrote for it. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of C, the first few notes are EFG C D DD.

A choral arrangement (four-part SATB with soprano solo) of the text has also been written by English composer Philip Stopford. Sheet music for this is available from Sheet Music Plus (link below)

Chorus: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. 1 When you walk through the waters , I’ll be with you; you will never sink beneath the waves. 2 When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. 3 When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. 4 When you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. 5 You are mine,O my child, I am your Father, and I love you with a perfect love.

Downloads

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Arranged for SATB choir acappella with soprano solo, by Philip W. J. Stopford

Examples

Professionally produced contemporary backing:

Choral arrangement, Stopford:

Children's cantor and choir, with guitar and woodwind:

Solo singer, backing track (video with shots of Ireland):

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

1 When you walk through the waters ...

2 When the fire is burning ...

3 When the fear of loneliness ...

4 When you dwell in the exile ...

5 You are mine, O my child, ...