You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

CCCLXI. Pleading with God under Desertion; or, Hope in Darkness

1 How long, O Lord, shall I complain,
Like one that seeks his God in vain?
Canst thou thy Face for ever hide?
And I still pray and be deny'd.

2 Shall I for ever be forgot,
As one whom thou regardest not?
Still shall my Soul thine Absence mourn?
And still despair of thy return;

3 How long shall my poor troubled Breast
Be with these anxious Thoughts opprest?
And Satan, my malicious Foe,
Rejoice to see me sunk so low?

4 Hear, Lord, and grant me quick Relief,
Before my Death conclude my Grief:
If thou withhold thy heav'nly Light,
I sleep in everlasting Night.

5 How will the Pow'rs of Darkness boast,
If but one praying Soul be lost?
But I have trusted in thy Grace,
And shall again behold thy Face.

6 Whate'er my Foes or Fears suggest,
Thou art my Hope, my Joy, my Rest;
My Heart shall feel thy Love, and raise
My chearful Voice to Songs of Praise.

Text Information
First Line: How long, O Lord, shall I complain
Title: Pleading with God under Desertion; or, Hope in Darkness
Language: English
Publication Date: 1801
Topic: Supplicatory Hymns
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
(No tune information)



Media
More media are available on the text authority page.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.