In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Psalm 31:1
Words: From A New Version of the Psalms of David, by Nahum Tate & Nicholas Brady, 1696.
Music: Freeport (Robertson), arranged by Robert B. Robertson, in Bible Songs (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: United Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1879), number 35 (🔊 pdf nwc)
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good photo of Robertson (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Defend me, Lord, from shame,
For still I trust in Thee:
As just and righteous is Thy name,
From danger set me free.
Bow down Thy gracious ear,
And speedy succor send:
Do Thou my steadfast rock appear,
To shelter and defend.
Since Thou, when foes oppress,
My rock and fortress art,
To guide me forth from this distress,
Thy wonted help impart.
Release me from the snare
Which they have closely laid;
Since I, O God my strength repair
To Thee alone for aid.
To Thee, the God of truth,
My life, and all that’s mine
(For Thou preserv’dst me from my youth,)
I willingly resign.
All vain designs I hate,
Of those that trust in lies:
And still my soul, in every state,
To God for succor flies.
Those mercies Thou hast shown,
I’ll cheerfully express;
For Thou hast seen my straits, and know
My soul in deep distress.
When Keilah’s treacherous race
Did all my strength enclose,
Thou gav’st my feet a larger space,
To shun my watchful foes.
Thy mercy, Lord, display,
And hear my just complaint;
For both my soul and flesh decay,
With grief and hunger faint.
Sad thoughts my life oppress;
My years are spent in groans;
My sins have made my strength decrease,
And e’en consumed my bones.
My foes my sufferings mocked,
My neighbors did upbraid;
My friends, at sight of me, were shocked,
And fled, as men dismayed.
Forsook by all am I,
As dead, and out of mind;
And like a shattered vessel lie,
Whose parts can ne’er be joined.
Yet slanderous words they speak,
And seem my power to dread;
Whilst they together counsel take
My guiltless blood to shed.
But still my steadfast trust,
I on Thy help repose:
That Thou, my God, art good and just,
My soul with comfort knows.
Whate’er events betide,
Thy wisdom times them all:
Then, Lord, Thy servant safely hide
From those that seek his fall.
The brightness of Thy face,
To me, O Lord, disclose;
And, as Thy mercies still increase,
Preserve me from my foes.
Me from dishonor save,
Who still have called on Thee;
Let that, and silence in the grave,
The sinner’s portion be.
Do Thou their tongues restrain;
Whose breath in lies is spent;
Who false reports, with proud disdain,
Against the righteous vent.
How great Thy mercies are
To such as fear Thy name;
Which Thou, for those that trust Thy care,
Dost to the world proclaim!
Thou keep’st them in Thy sight,
From proud oppressors free:
From tongues that do in strife delight,
They are preserved by Thee.
With glory and renown
God’s name be ever blessed;
Whose love as Keilah’s well-fenced town
Was wondrously expressed!
I said, in hasty flight,
I’m banished from Thine eyes
;
Yet still Thou keptst me in Thy sight,
And heardst my earnest cries.
O! all ye saints, the Lord
With eager love pursue;
Who to the just will help afford,
And give the proud their due.
Ye that on God rely,
Courageously proceed;
For He will still your hearts supply
With strength, in time of need.