Zion's Harp ‎#182

182. As I think of Thee, a gentle rapture

1 As I think of Thee, a gentle rapture Overwhelms the soul that Thou dost love; This is one of those bright precious moments Granted Thy beloved from above. 2 One long train of dark and troubled hours Shrouded me in youthful days gone by; Since I’ve felt Thy great, almighty powers, Light and strength flow on me from on high. 3 Ere I knew Thee and Thy sweet compassion, My unhappy heart sought peace in vain; For a thousand lusts of evil fashion Burnt within me, yielding naught but pain. 4 Full of youthful zeal, I was pursuing Nothing but deceit and vanity; Sham and shadow I was ever wooing, And the truth remained unknown to me. 5 Filled with false ambition, pride, and cunning, Wanting meekness, sense of right, and light, Into error’s mazes I was running, Oft unwilling, slave to sin’s dread might. 6 Were I loved and honored, thus I fancied All this longing would be satisfied; And these came to me in ample measure, Yet I felt that vacant, unfilled void. 7 Shepherdless in heathers dry and barren, As a lost and famished sheep I strayed, Finding naught to satisfy my hunger, Naught whereby my thirst could be allayed. 8 O, in misery I would have perished, Crushed by great affliction and distress, Had I not by Thee been found and cherished, Had I not by Thy grace been refreshed. 9 What a wretched life had been my portion; Torn by doubt, remorse and fear was I, Till at last my faith in Thee was anchored And Thou heardst my pleading and my cry! 10 Long a downcast spirit did depress me; Now Thou cheerest both my heart and mind; Only peace and happiness possess me Since my blessed lot in Thee I find. 11 Since those sacred days of heav’nly blessing, I can conquer over passions strong, Over discontent and dark depression; Heav’nly pleasure fills my breast with song. 12 Nor will there be dreary clouds above me That will overcast my heaven’s blue If I evermore, O Lord, will love Thee Without discontent, to Thee be true. 13 Woe unto the world, such love despising, That such joy in Jesus casts away; For its value never realizing, It is led by vanity astray! 14 O, forsake me not, Thou ever faithful, Though to try me Thou Thy face dost hide; Till I bear Thy likeness and impression, Purge me as the gold is purified! 15 When my earthly life at last is finished And in faith and love my race is run, I shall praise Thee, Saviour, for Thy suff’ring Which for me eternal rest has won.

Text Information

• First Line: As I think of Thee, a gentle rapture
• Original Language: German
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2003
• Notes: Author: Johann Gottfried Menken

Tune Information

(No tune information)