“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.”
Psalm 42:1 (D.C.M. St. Leonard’s)
O Lord, Thou seest my distress,
Loud waves have covered me:
The depths of ocean on me press,
And from false friends I flee.
Yet in my heart desires I find:
With breathless pant I cast
My lonely soul on God so kind;
Sad tears are my repast.
With soul cast down, men’s jibes did smart,
And filled my cup with pain.
I worshipped Thee with empty heart,
I yearned for Thee again.
Remembrance came, that God of yore
Displayed past care to me;
With reassurance that the store
Was boundless as the sea.
My weary soul upon Him gazed;
His love was none the less:
Before the truth I stood amazed,
His glorious faithfulness.
For now I saw with startled look
The Rock beneath my feet;
This firm foundation never shook,
Nor ever knew defeat.
I’ll praise my God with new delight,
My countenance and health;
My mourning change for gown of light,
Rejoice in Jesus’ wealth.
The name of Christ now fills my heart
With His security:
My blessèd Lord will not depart,
His promise covers me.
