1 SEEMS it in my anguish lone,
As though God forsook His own,
Yet I hold the knowledge fast,
God will surely help at last.

2 Though awhile it be delayed,
He denieth not His aid;
Though it come not oft with speed,
It will surely come at need.

3 As a father not too soon
Grants his child the longed-for boon,
So our God gives when He will;
Wait His pleasure and be still.

4 I can rest in thoughts of Him,
When all courage else grows dim,
For I know my soul shall prove
His is more than father's love.

5 Would the powers of ill affright.
I can smile at all their might;
Or the cross be pressing sore,
God, my God, lives evermore!

6 Man may hate me causelessly,
Man my plot to ruin me,
Foes my heart may pierce and rend;
God in heaven is still my Friend.

7 Earth against me may declare,
For her love I do not care;
Though the world bear me a grudge,
God my Father is my Judge.

8 Earth may all her gifts deny,
Safe my treasure is on high;
And if heaven at last be mine,
All things else I can resign.

9 I renounce thee willingly,
World, I hate what pleases thee;
Baneful every gift of thine,
Only be my God still mine.

10 Ah! Lord, if but Thee I have,
Naught of other good I crave,
Bright is even death's dark road,
If but Thou art there, my God!