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

XXIIa. The Sufferings and Death of CHRIST

1 Why has my God my soul forsook,
Nor will a smile afford?
(Thus David once in anguish spoke,
And thus our dying Lord.)

2 Though ’tis thy chief delight to dwell
Among thy praising saints,
Yet thou canst hear a groan as well,
And pity our complaints.

3 Our fathers trusted in thy name,
And great deliverance found;
But I’m a worm, despis'd of men,
And trodden to the ground.

4 With shaking heads, they pass me by,
And laugh my soul to scorn;
"In vain he trusts in God, they cry,
"Neglected and forlorn."

5 But thou art he, who form'd my flesh,
By thine almighty word;
And since I hung upon the breast,
My hope is in the Lord.

6 Why will my father hide his face
When foes stand threatening round
In the dark hour of deep distress,
And not an helper found?

Pause.

7 Behold thy darling left among
The cruel and the proud,
By foes encompass'd fierce and strong,
As lions roaring loud.

8 From earth and hell my sorrows meet,
To multiply the smart;
They nail my hands, they pierce my feet,
And try to vex my heart.

9 Yet if thy sovereign hand let loose
The rage of earth and hell,
Why will my heav’nly father bruise
The son he loves so well?

10 My God, if possible it be,
With-hold this bitter cup;
But I resign my will to thee,
And drink the sorrows up.

11 My heart dissolves with pangs unknown,
In groans I waste my breath;
Thy heavy hand has brought me down,
Low as the dust of death.

12 Father, I give my spirit up,
And trust it in thy hand;
My dying flesh shall rest in hope,
And rise at thy command.

Text Information

• First Line: Why has my God my soul forsook
• Title: The Sufferings and Death of CHRIST
• Meter: Common Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1785
• Scripture:
  Psalm 22:1-16
• Notes: First Part

Tune Information

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