I cried aloud to God for help;
I knew that God would hear.
When I was plunged in deep distress,
I sought the Lord in prayer.
At night I stretched untiring hands,
relief my soul refused.
Rememb’ring you, O God, I groaned
with longing as I mused.
You kept my eye from restful sleep—
so great my pain and woe.
I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago.
Throughout the night, the evening watch,
my songs I called to mind.
I pondered in my searching heart,
an answer tried to find:
“Forever will the Lord reject
and never show his grace?
Has he, his steadfast love withdrawn,
fore’er his mercy ceased?
Forever has his promise failed?
Is God no longer kind?
Has he in his great wrath dismissed
compassion from his mind?”
Then I replied, “Such questions show
my own infirmity,
the firm right hand of God Most High
thro’ years must changeless be.”
The LORD’s deeds I remember well,
your works of old recall;
Yes, I will ponder all your acts
and weigh your wonders all.
O God, most holy are your ways.
What god is great like you?
You are the God by wonders known,
whose pow’r the nations view.
Your people you redeemed, O LORD,
with your almighty arm;
the sons of Jacob, Joseph’s seed,
you saved them from all harm.
The waters saw you, O my God;
they saw and were afraid.
The very depths became convulsed;
the clouds poured down their rain.
The thunder rolled across the skies
as lightning bolts were hurled.
Your thunder in the wind was heard;
your lightning lit the world.
The whole earth shook and trembled then,
your path was thro’ the sea.
Your way thro’ mighty waters led;
your footprints none could see.
Your people, like a flock of sheep,
you guided ev’ry day;
by Moses’ and by Aaron’s hand
you led them on the way.