Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
This beautiful hymn by Anne Steele (1717-1778) was originally published as a poem in 1760. Since then, it was been set to music and published in nearly 350 hymnals. Anne Steele was the daughter of a Baptist pastor, and she lived a difficult life (for more, click here). This hymn captures both the reality of suffering and the hope we have in the Lord. May its truths bring comfort to our weary souls!
Dear refuge of my weary soul,
on Thee when sorrows rise;
on Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
my fainting hope relies.
While hope revives, though pressed with fears,
and I can say, “My God”;
beneath Thy feet I spread my cares
and pour my woes abroad.
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
for Thou alone cans’t heal;
Thy word can bring a sweet relief
for every pain I feel.
But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine;
The springs of comfort seem to fail
and all my hopes decline.
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust;
and still my soul would cleave to Thee,
though prostrate in the dust.
Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face?
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace
be deaf when I complain?
No, still the ear of sovereign grace
attends the mourner’s prayer;
O may I ever find access
to breathe my sorrows there.
Thy mercy seat is open still;
here let my soul retreat
with humble hope attend Thy will,
and wait beneath Thy feet.
Indelible Grace has a wonderful rendition of this hymn. Enjoy!