John Newton
8,6,8,6
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh 9:10
Joy is a fruit that will not grow
In nature's barren foil;
All we can boast, till CHRIST we know,
Is vanity and toil.
But where the LORD has planted grace;
And made his glories known;
There fruits of heavenly joy and peace
Are found, and there alone.
A bleeding Savior seen by faith,
A sense of pard'ning love;
A hope that triumphs over death,
Give joys like those above.
To take a glimpse within the veil,
To know that God is mine;
Are springs of joy that never fail,
Unspeakably divine!
These are the joys which satisfy,
And sanctify the mind;
Which make the spirit mount on high,
And leave the world behind.
No more, believers, mourn your lot,
But if you are the LORD'S;
Resign to them that know him not,
Such joys as earth affords.