1 Seeking water, seeking shelter,
gasps the thirsty, weary deer;
so my soul in days of trouble
longs for God's refreshments here.
In this stressful course of life,
in its loneliness and strife,
"When," say I, "will God deliver;
is his mercy gone forever?"

2 No! he is my soul's true fortress;
though I hear those voices wild--
"Where's your God? why has he left you?--
he will not forget his child.
Come then, be my advocate,
come, your servant vindicate;
then no more in fruitless sorrow
shall I face a barren morrow.

3 Send your light and trust to lead me;
then the path shall I discern
to my father's house, where welcome
waits the prodigal's return.
Then new songs shall fil my days,
ev'ry moment full of praise,
with the faithful who surround him,
with the blest ones who have found him.

4 So, my soul, why such disquiet?
why such mourning, why such fear?
Day already breaks on darkness,
God has sought you, God is near.
Hope in God and you shall live;
all delight he waits to give;
peace and power and ev'ry blessing
you shall know, this faith confessing.