I’ll Praise the God of Merciful Plight!

This hymn, with an added refrain and verse by Zac Hicks [1] based on Psalm 30:5 & Job 1:21, was originally written by Frances Ridley Havergal in 1879, who is most famous for her hymn, “Take My Life and Let it Be” and "Like A River Glorious". This hymn teaches us that worship is a choice more than a feeling…that the hope of what God has in store is worth holding onto, no matter the circumstances.  [2]

https://youtu.be/86WyqeJL3ew

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

Refrain
Weeping may remain for a night
But joy arrives in morning’s new light
I’ll praise the God of merciful plight
Still I will praise him, still I will praise him, my God.

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.

Refrain

You give and you take away
In darkness still I will say:
“A good God I serve this day.”
Still I will praise you, still I will praise you.

Refrain

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1. https://zachicks.com/light-after-darkness/

2. This is from a daily email I receive from Hymn of the Day, January 9, 2023.  https://hymnoftheday.com/