The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#237

237. Why art thou cast down, my soul?

1 Why art thou cast down, my soul?
O what mean thy sighs and sadness?
Trust in Him who makes thee whole,
And thy griefs can turn to gladness,--
Often in the darkest hour
He reveals His love and power.

2 On this ground thy anchor cast;
Safe thou art, in Christ confiding;
All the griefs which here thou hast
Are but shadows unabiding.
Soon thy cross shall pass away,
Joy shall come that lasts for aye.

3 Christ's own way is always good,
Christians find this consolation:
He who bought thee with His blood,
Now stands pledged for thy salvation.
Rest upon His sacred word--
That assurance doth afford!

4 Jesus gives us joy and tears,
Blesséd be His name forever!
When thy way most dark appears,
Trust in Him, despond thou never;
Weary soul, when sore distressed,
Call on Him and be at rest.

5 Surely, narrow is the way
To the land of gladness yonder;
While on this sad earth we stay,
We must here as pilgrims wander,
Through the desert we must roam,
Till we Canaan reach, our home.

6 Upward, then, my weary soul,
Where the crown of life is given!
Pressing onward to the goal,
I shall win the bliss of heaven;
For, O Jesus, I am Thine,
Blest am I, for Thou art mine!

Text Information

• First Line: Why art thou cast down, my soul?
• Author: B. Schmolck (1704)
• Author: H. A. Brorson (1734)
• Meter: 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Third Sunday after Epiphany; Cross and Comfort; Hope; Trust in God

Tune Information

• Name: [Why art thou cast down, my soul?]
• Key: C Major
• Source: German, 1656