Author: Karl Philipp Spitta (1801-1859) Composer: Severus Gastorius, 1675 (1646-1682) arr. by Carl Ferdinand Becker (1804-1877)
1. I place myself in Jesus’ hands And there abide forever; No griefs, no joys, shall loose the bands, Nor yet our union sever! In these dread days When earth decays, Who stays in Him and thus obeys Shall be preserved forever.
2. A Rock and Castle is the Lord; And they shall see and wonder Who build on His almighty Word, And thereon deeply ponder. And what He saith In life or death, My heart shall trust with steadfast faith, Though earth be rent asunder.
3. And let Him do with me His will, What He will do shall please me; I cleave to Him with strong faith still And hope that He will bless me. He must be blest Who loves Him best, And on His Word does firmly rest; Lord, with this truth impress me!
4. When things seem at their worst, I will Still joy in His protection, Who loves to bring out good from ill, And grieves in my affliction. His trials sent Are all well meant; His rod, a Father’s chastisement, Are tokens of affection.
5. His pledge in faith will ever stand; It is His blessed pleasure That naught me from His mighty hand Shall separate or sever. He will not break The Word He spake; So confidence in Him I take, And praise Him then forever.