O Thou In Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight – Hymn Lyric
Finding comfort and hope in a higher power is the central theme of the hymn “O Thou in Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight.” This hymn serves as a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, there is a source of strength and guidance that we can turn to. It portrays a deep connection and reliance upon this higher power, offering solace, salvation, and joy to those who seek it.
Table of Contents
O Thou In Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight
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 at noon-tide resort with thy sheep,
To feed them in pastures of love?
For why in the valley of death should I weep,
Or alone in the wilderness rove?
O 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.
Ye daughters of Zion, declare, have ye seen
The Star that on Israel shone?
Say, if in your tents my beloved has been,
And where with his flocks he is gone?
This is my beloved, his form is divine,
His vestments shed odors around;
The locks on his head are as grapes on the vine,
When autumn with plenty is crowned.
The roses of Sharon, the lilies that grow
In vales on the banks of the streams;
On his cheeks, in the beauty of excellence blow,
And his eyes are as quivers of beams!
His voice as the sound of a dulcimer sweet,
Is heard through the shadows of death;
The cedars of Lebanon bow at his feet,
The air is perfumed with his breath.
His lips as a fountain of righteousness flow,
That waters the garden of grace;
From which their salvation the Gentiles shall know,
And bask in the smiles of his face.
Love sits on his eye-lids and scatters delight
Through all the bright mansions on high;
Their faces the cherubim veil in his sight,
And tremble with fullness of joy.
He looks, and ten thousand of angels rejoice,
And myriads wait for his word;
He speaks–and eternity, filled with his voice,
Re-echoes the praise of the her voice.
His vestments of righteousness who shall describe!
Its purity words would defile;
The heavens from his presence fresh beauties imbibe,
And earth is made rich by his smile.
Such is my beloved in excellence bright,
When pleased he looks down from above;
Like the morn, when he breathes from the chamber of light,
And comforts his people with love.
But when armed with vengeance, in terror he comes,
The nations’ rebellions to tame,
The reins of omnipotent power he assumes,
And rides in a chariot of flame.
A two-edged sword from his mouth issues forth,
Bright quivers of fire are his eyes;
He speaks, the black tempests are seen in the north,
And storms from their caverns arise.
The thousand destructions, that wait for his word,
And ride on the wings of his breath,
Fly swift as the winds at the nod of their Lord,
And deal out his arrows of death.
His cloud-bursting thunders, their voices resound
Through all the vast regions on high;
Till from the deep center loud echoes rebound,
And meet the quick flames in the sky.
The portals of heaven at his bidding obey,
And expand ere his banners appear;
Earth trembles beneath, till her mountains give way,
And hell shakes her fetters with fear.
When he treads on the clouds as the dust of his feet,
And grasps the storm in his hand;
What eye the fierce glance of his anger shall meet,
Or who in his presence shall stand?
Meaning of O Thou In Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight – Hymn Lyric
O Thou in Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight: Finding Comfort and Hope in a Higher Power
In life, we often face challenges and hardships that leave us feeling empty and alone. We search for solace and relief, hoping to find comfort in someone or something that can understand and uplift us. In times of affliction, there is nothing more soothing than knowing there is a higher power, a source of strength and guidance that we can turn to. This hymn, titled “O Thou in Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight,” beautifully expresses the deep connection and reliance upon this higher power that brings us hope, salvation, and joy.
The hymn begins by acknowledging the presence of this beloved figure who brings comfort to the soul. When we are in affliction, struggling with the burdens of life, we can call upon this power, knowing that it will bring us solace, just like a friend who is always there for us. This presence becomes our song in the night, a beacon of light and hope during our darkest moments.
As we reflect on this presence, we wonder where it goes during noon-tide, where it feeds its sheep in pastures of love. The hymn’s imagery paints a picture of a caring shepherd who guides and nourishes his flock. Similarly, we question why we should weep in the valley of death or wander alone in the wilderness when we have this guiding force to lean on. It is a reminder that we are never truly alone, even in the harshest of times.
The hymn then addresses the longing to be reunited with this beloved presence. It raises the question to the daughters of Zion, asking if they have seen the star that shines upon Israel, symbolizing the presence of this figure. There is a yearning to know where this beloved has been, as well as the desire to be with them and their flocks. This connection brings a sense of divine beauty and abundance to our lives, like grapes on a vine during harvest.
The hymn further describes the characteristics of this beloved figure. It speaks of roses and lilies, symbols of beauty and purity, found in Sharon’s valleys and by the banks of streams. Such imagery emphasizes the alluring nature of this beloved, whose excellence and grace are a sight to behold. The hymn also portrays the sound of their voice as sweet as a dulcimer, a welcoming and comforting melody that can be heard even through the shadows of death.
This presence is not only a source of joy and comfort, but also a fountain of righteousness. Its voice waters the garden of grace, providing salvation not only to the chosen few but also to the Gentiles. This love is all-encompassing, spreading its warmth and smiles to all who open their hearts to receive it.
As we delve deeper into the hymn, we encounter a contrasting image of the same beloved figure. It speaks of armed vengeance and the taming of rebellions. This depicts a powerful force capable of riding a chariot of flame, ready to address those who oppose its divine authority. The hymn emphasizes the intensity and might of this presence when met with defiance and challenges.
The hymn continues with vivid descriptions of this figure’s judgment and power. It describes a two-edged sword issuing from their mouth, symbolizing their ability to bring justice and order. Their eyes are portrayed as bright quivers of fire, demonstrating their penetrating gaze and ability to discern right from wrong. When this presence speaks, storms arise and destruction follows, as if the very elements obey their command.
The hymn describes the thunderous voice of this beloved, resounding through the vast regions on high. Such power and authority shake the heavens and cause echoes and flames in the sky. Even the portals of heaven bow down, and earth itself trembles before the might of this presence. It is a display of the ultimate dominance this figure holds over the entire universe.
Yet, amidst the awe and fear-inspiring descriptions, the hymn reminds us of the unconditional love this beloved possesses. Love sits on their eyelids, scattering delight to all the bright mansions on high. Even the cherubim veil their faces in their presence, not out of submission, but out of overwhelming joy. Love and joy are at the very heart of this powerful entity.
In its conclusion, the hymn compares this beloved to the morning light, bringing comfort and love to their people. When they look down upon us, we are reminded of the warmth and radiance that can only come from this divine presence. It is a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face, we can always find solace, hope, and love through our connection with this higher power.
In this hymn, “O Thou in Whose Presence My Soul Takes Delight,” we are presented with a vivid portrayal of a higher power that brings us comfort, solace, and hope during the trials and tribulations of life. It reminds us that we are never truly alone, that there is always a guiding presence waiting to uplift us and bring us joy. No matter the challenges we face, this beloved figure offers us unwavering love and salvation, urging us to trust in their divine plan. Let us find peace and solace in the arms of this higher power, knowing that we are never alone on our journey through life.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
