A present God is all our strength

Verse 1

A present God is all our strength, And all our joy and hope; When he withdraws, our comforts die, And every grace must droop.

Verse 2

But flattering trifles charm our hearts To court their false embrace, Till justly this neglected friend Averts his angry face.

Verse 3

He leaves us and we miss him not; But go presumptuous on, Till baffled, wounded, and enslaved, We learn that God is gone.

Verse 4

And what, my soul, can then remain One ray of light to give? Severed from him, their better life, How can his children live?

Verse 5

Hence, all ye painted forms of joy, And leave my heart to mourn: I would devote these eyes to tears, Till cheered by his return.

Verse 6

Look back, my Lord, and own the place, Where once thy temple stood; For lo, its ruins bear the mark Of rich atoning blood.