Hymnal for Church and Home (2nd ed.) ‎#266

266. Just One Thing Have I Desired

1 Just one thing have I desired
Of God, my Father and Lord,
That I may dwell in His temple
And ever be led by His Word.
He hideth me in His pavilion
In times of distress and grief;
He guards me against my pursuers
And gives me rest and relief.

2 I see His goodness and mercy
And feel His love in my soul;
I know, and yet I must ponder,
The love that my heart has made whole
I come unto Him as my Father,
Whose heart is most kind and true;
I know He will ever receive me
With loving kindness anew.

3 I must, while seasons are passing,
Admire the care of my Lord,
Whose hand has always been faithful,
Though often I doubted His word.
I linger, and quietly marvel,
In thoughtfulness at His feet:
His goodness endureth forever,
His care is tender an meet.

4 I lift mine eyes to the mansions
That beckon to me and call,
Which stand on hills everlasting,
When worlds shall crumble and fall.
Just one thing have I desired
And sought after all my days,
That I may abide in His temple
And see His works and His ways.

Text Information

• First Line: Just one thing have I desired
• Title: Just One Thing Have I Desired
• Author: Provost John Hansen
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 8, 9, 7, 9, 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1928
• Topic: Spiritual Songs: God's House
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Danish first line: Kun een Ting vil jeg begaere; Translator: P. C. Paulsen

Tune Information

• Name: [Just one thing have I desired]
• Composer: Sofie Dedekom
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 8, 9, 7, 9, 7
• Key: E♭ Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain.