Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#31

31. Deliverance from Despair; or, Temptation overcome

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

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

3 I saw the opening gates of hell,
With endless pains and sorrows there,
(Which none but they that feel can tell)
While I was hurry'd to despair.

4 In my distress I call'd my God,
When I could scarce believe him mine;
He bow'd his ear to my complaint;
And prov'd his saving grace divine.

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

6 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.]

7 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 the proud can wage.

8 My song forever shall record
That terrible, that joyful hour;
And give the glory to the Lord
Due to his mercy and his power.

Text Information

• First Line: Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength
• Title: Deliverance from Despair; or, Temptation overcome
• Meter: Long Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 18:1-9
  ;
  Psalm 18:15-18
• Topic: Defense: and Salvation in God; Delight: in God; Deliverance: from despair; Despair: deliverance from it; Enemies: overcome; Evidence: of Sincerity; Intemperance: punished; Obedience: sincere; Psalm: for soldiers; Saints: Triumph; Sincerity: proved and rewarded; Spiritual Enemies: overcome; Temptations: overcome; War: victory; War: spiritual

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