Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 63

63.
To the Afflicted, tossed with Tempests, and not Comforted. Isa. liv, 5—11.

1 Pensive, doubting, fearful heart,
Hear what Christ the Saviour says;
Every word should joy impart,
Change thy mourning into praise:
Yes, he speaks, and speaks to thee,
May he help thee to believe!
Then thou presently wilt see,
Thou hast little cause to grieve.

2 "Fear thou not, nor be ashamed,
All thy sorrows soon shall end:
I who heaven and earth have framed
Am thy Husband and thy Friend:
I the High and Holy One,
Isr'el's God by all adored,
As thy Saviour will be known,
Thy Redeemer and thy Lord.

3 For a moment I withdrew,
And thy heart was fill'd with pain;
But my mercies I'll renew,—
Thou shalt soon rejoice again:
Though I seem to hide my face,
Yery soon my wrath shall cease;
'Tis but for a moment's space,
Ending in eternal peace.

4 When my peaceful bow appears,
Painted on the wat'ry cloud;
'Tis to dissipate thy fears,
Lest the earth should be o'erflow'd:
'Tis an emblem too of grace,
Of my cov'nant love a sign;
Though the mountains leave their place,
Thou shalt be for ever mine.

5 Though afflicted, tempest-toss'd.
Comfortless awhile thou art,
Do not think thou canst be lost,
Thou art graven on my heart:
All thy wastes I will repair,
Thou shalt be rebuilt anew;
And in thee it shall appear
What a God of love can do.