Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#416

416. Ah God, my days are dark indeed

1 Ah God, my days are dark indeed,
How oft this aching heart must bleed!
The narrow way how filled with pain,
That I must pass ere heav'n I gain!
How hard to teach this flesh and blood
To seek alone th'eternal good!

2 Ah whither now for comfort turn?
For Thee, my Jesus, do I yearn;
In Thee have I, howe'er distrest,
Found ever counsel, aid, and rest;
I cannot all forsaken be
While still my heart can trust in Thee.

3 Jesus, my only God and Lord,
What sweetness in Thy name is stored!
So dark and hopeless is no grief
But Thy sweet name can bring relief,
So keen no sorrows' rankling dart
But Thy sweet Name can heal my heart.

4 Jesus, my Boast, my Light, my Joy,
The Treasure nought can e'er destroy,
No words, no song that I can frame
Speak half the sweetness of Thy Name:
They only all its power shall prove
Whose hearts have learnt Thy faith and love.

5 Jesus, my Bridegroom and my Crown,
If Thou but smile the world may frown,
In Thee lie depths of joy untold,
Far richer than her richest gold;
Whene'er I do but think of Thee,
Thy dews drop down and solace me;

6 Let me this flesh and blood control,
From sin and shame preserve my soul,
And keep me steadfast in the faith,
Then I am Thine in life and death:
Jesus, Consoler, bend to me!
Ah would I were e'en now with Thee!

Text Information

• First Line: Ah God, my days are dark indeed
• Author: Martin Moeller (1587)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1868)
• Meter: L. M. Six lines No. 6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: Christian Life and Hope: The Walk of Godliness: Cross and Consolation
• Notes: From the German text: Ach Gott wie manches Herzeleid

Tune Information

• Name: ACH GOTT UND HERR
• Adapter: Konrad Kocher
• Meter: L. M. Six lines No. 6
• Key: F Major
• Source: Schaffhausen G. B., 1841