Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Hear what God the LORD hath spoken

William Cowper

A brilliant English poet and hymnist (1731–1800) who struggled with severe depression and mental illness throughout his life. Despite his deep struggles and times of darkness, Cowper found profound comfort in his faith and his friendship with John Newton. Together, they co-authored the famous Olney Hymns. Cowper's vulnerability and search for hope led him to write some of the church's most comforting and honest hymns, including 'There is a Fountain Filled with Blood' and 'God Moves in a Mysterious Way', which he wrote to declare God's hidden goodness during his own deepest spiritual trials.

Source: Olney Hymns

Hear what God the LORD hath spoken,

O my people, faint and few;

Comfortless, afflicted, broken,

Fair abodes I build for you:

Themes of heart-felt tribulation

Shall no more perplex your ways;

You shall name your walls, Salvation,

And your gates shall all be praise.

There, like streams that feed the garden,

Pleasures, without end, shall flow;

For the LORD, your faith rewarding,

All his bounty shall bestow:

Still in undisturbed possession,

Peace and righteousness shall reign;

Never shall you feel oppression,

Hear the voice of war again.

Ye no more your suns descending,

Waning moons no more shall see,

But your griefs, for ever ending,

Find eternal noon in me:

God shall rise, and shining o'er you,

Change to day the gloom of night;

He, the Lord, shall be your glory,

GOD your everlasting light.

Hear what God the LORD hath spoken

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