Scripture Verse

I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1

Introduction

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Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719. De­liv­er­ance from des­pair; or, temp­ta­tions ov­er­come.

Music: All­mäch­tig­er Gott Jo­hann Crü­ger, 1640 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Johann Crüger (1598–1662)

Lyrics

Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength,
My rock, my tower, my high defense;
Thy mighty arm shall be my trust,
For I have found sal­va­tion thence.

Death, and the terrors of the grave,
Stood round me with their dismal shade;
While floods of high temptations rose,
And made my sinking soul afraid.

I saw the opening gates of hell,
With endless pains and sorrows there,
Which none but they that feel can tell;
While I was hurried to despair.

In my distress I called my God,
When I could scarce believe Him mine:
He bowed His ear to my complaint,
Then did His grace appear divine.

With speed He flew to my relief,
As on a cherub’s wing He rode;
Awful and bright as lightning shone
The face of my deliverer God.

Temptations fled at His rebuke,
The blast of His al­migh­ty breath;
He sent sal­va­tion from on high,
And drew me from the deeps of death.

Great were my fears, my foes were great,
Much was their strength, and more their rage;
But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still,
In all the wars that devils wage.

My song for ever shall record
That terrible, that joyful hour;
And give the glo­ry to the Lord,
Due to His mercy and His power.