As the Hart When Noon Is Burning

1. As the hart when noon is burning
Pants for springs when waters burst,
So for God my soul is yearning,
For the living God a-thirst:
When shall I, a wand'rer here,
In Thy presence, Lord, appear?
Daily by my foes derided,
Tears they for my food provided.

2. If fond mem'ry seek to borrow
Comfort from the former years,
These but stir anew my sorrow,
Open ev'ry fount of trears:
Unto Zion's gates with song,
Oh, how oft I led the throng,
Who with joy and praise adore Thee,
Keeping holiday before Thee.

3. Why art thou cast down and fearful?
O my soul, why so dismayed?
Hope in God, and eyes now tearful
Yet shall see His present aid.
Down, O God, my heart is cast,
Till I think of mercies past;
Then to Thee, my spirit weary
Turns as from a desert dreary.

4. As Thy waterfalls resounding,
Deep is calling unto deep:
Over me, Thine all-surrounding
Waves and billow wildly sweep:
Yet the Lord will bless my days,
I, His loving-kindness praise;
And His song, at midnight given,
Be my prayer to God in heaven.

5. Why disquieted within me!
Why art thou, my soul, cast down!
Hope in God, I yet shall praise Him,
Who with joy my life will crown.
He, my God, whose wondrous grace
Is the help that cheers my face,
Comforts me, when tears are blinding,
As the hart cool waters finding.

Source: The New Christian Hymnal #415