Psalms 119

Psalm 119 (5 of 7)

1 CONSIDER all my sorrows, Lord, And Thy deliverance send; My soul for Thy salvation faints; When will my troubles end?

2 Yet I have found 'tis good for me To bear my Father's rod;

Afflictions make me learn Thy law, And live upon my God.

3 This is the comfort I enjoy When new distress begins:

I read Thy word, I run Thy way, And hate my former sins.

4 Had not Thy word been my delight When earthly joys were fled, My soul oppress'd with sorrow's weight, Had sunk amongst the dead.

5 I know Thy judgments, Lord, are right, Though they may seem severe; The sharpest sufferings I endure Flow from Thy faithful care.

6 Before I knew Thy chastening rod My feet were apt to stray; But now I learn to keep Thy word, Nor wander from Thy way.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

Psalm 119 (6 of 7)

1 OH that Thy statutes every hour Might dwell upon my mind!

Thence I derive a quickening power, And daily peace I find.

2 To meditate Thy precepts, Lord, Shall be my sweet employ; My soul shall ne'er forget Thy word;

Thy word is all my joy.

3 How would I run in Thy commands, If Thou my heart discharge From sin and Satan's hateful chains, And set my feet at largo!

4 My lips with courage shall declare Thy statutes and Thy name;

I'll speak Thy word though kings should hear, Nor yield to sinful shame.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

Psalm 119 (7 of 7)

1 FATHER, I bless Thy gentle hand;

How kind was Thy chastising rod; That forced my conscience to a stand, And brought my wandering soul to God!

2 Foolish and vain, I went astray Ere I had felt Thy scourges, Lord;

I left my guide, and lost my way; But now I love and keep Thy word.

3 'Tis good for me to wear the yoke, For pride is apt to rise and swell;

'Tis good to bear my Father's stroke. That I might learn His statutes well.

4 Thy hands have made my mortal frame, Thy Spirit form'd my soul within;

Teach me to know Thy wondrous name, And guard me safe from death and sin.

5 Then all that love and fear the Lord, At my salvation shall rejoice; For I have hoped in Thy word, And made Thy grace my only choice.

Isaac Watts, 1719