GOD, MY EXCEEDING JOY

Early my spirit turned
From earthly things away,
And agonized and yearned
For the eternal day;
Dimly I saw, when but a boy,
God, my exceeding joy.

In days of fiercer flame,
When passion urged me on,
‘Twas only bliss in name–
The pleasure soon was gone.
Compared with Thee, how all things cloy,
God my exceeding joy!

At length the moment came–
Jesus made known His love;
High shot the kindling flame
To glories all above.
Now all my powers one theme employ
God my exceeding joy.

One trial yet awaits,
Gigantic at the close;
All that my spirit hates
May then my peace oppose;
But God shall this last foe destroy,
God, my exceeding joy.

Psalm 43:4

From The Changed Cross