Present Joys

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wand’rer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.

Did you guys know this song has more verses that nobody ever sings? This last one is particularly great. I love this song.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He Who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Ask ye what great thing I know by Johann C. Schwedler. This is a great little hymn that is sung to the tune Hendon (better known as Take my life and let it be).

In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
And find it ever new:
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E’en let th’ unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may.

William Cowper’s hymn “Sometimes a light surprises”. I’m utterly fascinated by Cowper’s life and work, but I’m really only familiar with “There is a fountain filled with blood”. He wrote a bunch of other good hymns, too, most of which are tinged with a signature kind of hopeful melancholy.

Nations that long in darkness walked
Have now beheld a glorious light;
On them who dwelt in shades of death
The light hath shined heav’nly bright.

For lo! the virgin’s Child is born;
To us the Son of God is giv’n.
Upon His shoulders shall be laid
The government of earth and Heav’n.

His Name is called Wonderful,
The Counselor, the mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
Peace dearly purchased with His blood.

His government shall know no bounds,
But far and wide o’er all extend;
And happy peace, the glorious fruits
Of His just reign, shall know no end.

O’er David’s kingdom, on His throne
To rule, and ’stablish it secure
With judgment clear, and justice right;
His reign forever shall endure.

Nations that Long in Darkness Walked

All was lost in Adam’s fall;
All in Thee is now recovered.
Once to sin and death a thrall,
O’er the pit of hell I hovered:
Now I learn to cling to Thee—
Once with Adam, one with me.

Welcome God’s and Mary’s Son (This hymn is so good and I’d never heard it until just last year!)