1 Oh, why despond in life's dark vale?
Why sink to fears a prey?
Th' almighty power can never fail,
His love can ne'er decay.

2 Behold, the birds that wing the air,
Nor sow nor reap the grain:
Yet God, with all a father's care,
Relieves when they complain.

3 Behold the lilies of the field:
They toil nor labor know;
Yet royal robes to theirs must yield,
In beauty's richest glow.

4 That God who hears the raven's cry,
Who decks the lily's form,
Will surely all your wants supply,
And shield you in the storm.

5 Seek first his kingdom's grace to share,
Its righteousness pursue:
And all that needs your earthly care
He will bestow on you.