The Psalms of David ‎#40

40. I waited patient for the Lord

1 I waited patient for the Lord,
He bow'd to hear my cry;
He saw me resting on his word,
And brought salvation nigh.

2 He rais'd me from a horrid pit,
Where mourning long I lay,
And from my bonds releas'd my feet,
Deep bonds of miry clay.

3 Firm on a rock he made me stand,
And taught my cheerful tongue
To praise the wonders of his hand,
In a new thankful song.

4 I’ll spread his works of grace abroad;
The saints with joy shall hear,
And sinners learn to make my God
Their only hope and fear.

5 How many are thy thoughts of love;
Thy mercies, Lord, how great!
We have not words nor hours enough
Their numbers to repeat.

6 When I’m afflicted, poor and low,
And light and peace depart,
My God beholds my heavy woe,
And bears me on his heart.

Part II.

7 The wonders, Lord, thy love has wrought,
Exceed our praise, surmount our thought;
Should I attempt the long detail,
My speech would faint, my numbers fail.

8 No blood of beasts on altars spilt
Can cleanse the souls of men from guilt;
But thou hast set before our eyes
An all-sufficient sacrifice.

9 Lo thine eternal Son appears,
To thy designs he bows his ears;
Assumes a body well prepar'd,
And well performs a work so hard.

10 "Behold, I come (the Saviour cries,
"With love and duty in his eyes,)
"I come to bear the heavy load
Of sins, and do thy will, my God.

11 "'Tis written in thy great decree,
"'Tis in thy book foretold of me,
"I must fulfil the Saviour's part;
"And lo! thy law is in my heart.

12 "I'll magnify thy holy law,
"And rebels to obedience draw,
"When on my cross I'm lifted high,
"Or to my crown above the sky.

13 "The spirit shall descend and show
"What thou hast done and what I do;
"The wond'ring world shall learn thy grace,
"And all creation tune thy praise."

Part III.

14 My sins exceed in their amount,
The hairs on this afflicted head;
My vanquish'd courage they surmount,
And fill my drooping soul with dread.

15 But, Lord, to my relief draw near,
For never was more pressing beed:
In my deliv'rance, Lord, appear,
And add to that deliv'rance speed.

16 Confusion on their heads return,
Who to destroy my soul combine;
Let them, defeated, blush and mourn,
Ensnar'd in their own vile design.

17 Their doom let desolation be,
With shame their malice be repaid,
Who mock'd my confidence in thee,
And sport of my affliction made.

18 While those who humbly seek thy face,
To joyful triumphs shall be rais'd;
And all who prize thy saving grace,
With me resound, The Lord be prais'd.

19 Thus wretched though I am and poor,
Of me th' almighty Lord takes care;
Thou God, who only canst restore,
To my relief with speed repair.

Text Information

• First Line: I waited patient for the Lord
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1789
• Scripture:
  Psalm 40
• Notes: The first two parts are by Isaac Watts, Part III is from Tate and Brady

Tune Information

(No tune information)