As the fainting deer cries out

As the fainting deer cries out
for the streams in time of drought,
so my soul cries out aloud,
thirsting for the living God.
All the day I feed on grief,
darkness brings me no relief,
while the taunts go on and on:
‘Where’s your God now? Where’s he gone?’

2. Broken-hearted, I recall
how I used to lead them all
to the temple, where the throngs
sang with joy their festal songs.
Why, my soul, are you distressed?
Why so anxious, so oppressed?
Hope in God, for I’ll yet praise
God my Saviour all my days.

3. Darkness and despair return;
far from you, for you I yearn.
Deep to deep incessant calls,
as your thunderous torrent falls;
mighty waves at your control
overwhelm my drowning soul—
Lord, again reveal your love,
lift my prayer to you above.

4. Why forget me, God my rock?
Still you let the tongues that mock
bruise and break me bone by bone:
‘Where’s your God now? Where’s he gone?’
Why, my soul, are you distressed?
Why so anxious, so oppressed?
Hope in God, for I’ll yet praise
God my Saviour all my days.