Scripture Verse

We will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:2–3

Introduction

Words: Ca­ro­lyn W. Gil­lette, 2010. This hymn was writ­ten in re­sponse to the earth­quake that struck Port-au-Prince, Hai­ti, Jan­ua­ry 12, 2010.

Music: St. Chris­to­pher Fred­er­ick C. Mak­er, in the Bris­tol Tune Book, 1881 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Carolyn W. Gillette (1961–)

Lyrics

In Haiti, there is anguish
That seems too much to bear;
A land so used to sorrow
Now knows even more despair.
From city streets, the cries of grief
Rise up to hills above;
In all the sorrow, pain and death,
Where are you, God of love?

A woman sifts through rubble,
A man has lost his home,
A hungry, orphaned toddler sobs,
For she is now alone.
Where are you, Lord, when thousands die—
The rich, the poorest poor?
Were you the very first to cry
For all that is no more?

O God, you love your children;
You hear each lifted prayer!
May all who suffer in that land
Know you are present there.
In moments of compassion shown,
In simple acts of grace,
May those in pain find healing balm,
And know your love’s embrace.

Where are you in the anguish?
Lord, may we hear anew
That anywhere your world cries out,
You’re there—and suffering, too.
And may we see, in others’ pain,
The cross we’re called to bear;
Send out your church in Je­sus’ name
To pray, to serve, to share.