Classic Poem

Out of the depths of woe
To Thee, O Lord! I cry;
Darkness surrounds me, but I know
That Thou art ever nigh.

Then hearken to my voice,
Give ear to my complaint;
Thou bidst the mourning soul rejoice,
Thou comfortest the faint.

I cast my hope on Thee,
Thou canst, Thou wilt forgive;
Wert Thou to mark iniquity,
Who in Thy sight could live?

Humbly on Thee I wait,
Confessing all my sin;
Lord! I am knocking at thy gate;
Open, and take me in!

Like them, whose longing eyes
Watch, till the morning star
(Though late, and seen through tempests) rise,
Heaven's portals to unbar:

Like them I watch and pray,
And, though it tarry long,
Catch the first gleam of welcome day,
Then burst into a song.

Glory to God above!
The waters soon will cease;
For, lo! the swift returning dove
Brings home the sign of peace.

Though storms his face obscure,
And dangers threaten loud,
Jehovah's covenant is sure,
His bow is in the cloud.