O Thou, in Whose Presence

O thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight,
on whom in affliction I call,
my comfort by day, and my song in the night,
my hope, my salvation, my all:
Where dost thou, dear Shepherd, resort with thy sheep
to feed in the pastures of love?
Say, why in the valley of death should I weep
or lone in the wilderness rove?

Oh, why should I wander an alien from thee
or cry in the desert for bread?
Thy foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see
and smile at the tears I have shed.
Yet speak, and ten thousands of angels rejoice;
thy soul-cheering wisdom impart.
Eternity echoes the sound of thy voice
that reaches my desolate heart.