Scripture Verse

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17–18

Introduction

Words: Anne Steele, Po­ems on Sub­jects Chief­ly De­vo­tion­al 1760. Faith in God in times of dis­tress.

Music: Mer­thyr Tyd­fil Jo­seph Par­ry, 1870 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Tallis’ La­men­ta­tion Day’s Psal­ter, 1562 (🔊 pdf nwc)

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Steele (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Joseph Parry (1841–1903)

Lyrics

Should famine o’er the mourning field
Extend her desolating reign,
Nor spring her blooming beauties yield,
Nor autumn swell the foodful grain.
Should lowing herds and bleating sheep
Around their famished master die;
And hope itself despairing weep,
While life deplores its last supply:

Amid the dark, and deathful scene,
If I can say, The Lord is mine,
The joy shall triumph o’er the pain,
And glo­ry dawn, though life decline.
The God of my sal­va­tion lives,
My nobler life He will sustain;
His Word immortal vigor gives,
Nor shall my glo­ri­ous hopes be vain.

Thy presence, Lord, can cheer my heart,
Though every earthly comfort die;
Thy smile can bid my pains depart,
And raise my sacred pleasures high.
O let me hear Thy blissful voice,
Inspiring life and joys divine!
The barren desert shall rejoice,
’Tis paradise, if Thou art mine.