The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#523

523. Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me

1 Why should cross and trial grieve me?
Christ is near With His cheer;
Never will He leave me.
Who can rob me of the heaven
That God's Son For my own
To my faith hath given?

2 Though a heavy cross I'm bearing
And my heart Feels the smart,
Shall I be despairing?
God, my Helper, who doth send it,
Well doth know All my woe
And how best to end it.

3 God oft gives me days of gladness;
Shall I grieve If He give
Seasons, too, of sadness?
God is good and tempers ever
All my ill, And He will
Wholly leave me never.

4 Hopeful, cheerful, and undaunted
Ev'rywhere They appear
Who in Christ are planted.
Death itself cannot appal them,
They rejoice When the voice
Of their Lord doth call them.

5 Death cannot destroy forever;
From our fears, Cares, and tears
It will us deliver.
It will close life's mournful story,
Make a way That we may
Enter heavenly glory.

6 What is all this life possesses?
But a hand Full of sand
That the heart distresses.
Noble gifts that pall me never
Christ, our Lord, Will accord
To His saints forever.

7 Lord, my Shepherd, take me to Thee.
Thou art mine; I was Thine,
Even e'er I knew Thee.
I am Thine, for Thou hast bought me;
Lost I stood, But Thy blood
Free salvation brought me.

8 Thou art mine; I love and own Thee.
Light of Joy, Ne'er shall I
From my heart dethrone Thee.
Savior, let me soon behold Thee
Face to face - May Thy grace
Evermore enfold me!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Why should cross and trial grieve me?
• Title: Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
• German Title: Warum sollt' ich mich denn grämen
• Author: Paul Gerhardt (1653, cento)
• Translator: John Kelly (1867, alt.)
• Meter: 8.3.3.6.8.3.3.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Psalm 73:23
• Topic: Cross and Comfort
• Source: Tr. composite, based on John Kelly, 1867

Tune Information

• Name: WARUM SOLLT' ICH MICH DENN GRÄMEN
• Composer: Johann G. Ebeling (1666)
• Meter: 8.3.3.6.8.3.3.6.
• Key: e minor