Wondrous joy, Thy joy, Lord Jesus, Deep, eternal, pure, and bright— Thou alone the Man of Sorrows, Thus couldst tell of joy aright. | Lord, we know that joy, that gladness, Which in fulness Thou hast given— Sharing all that countless treasure, We on earth with Thee in Heaven. | ... Even as He went before us Through the wilderness below. So, in strength unworn, unfailing, Onward also would we go. | All the earth a desert round Him, All His springs in God alone; Every heart, save God’s heart only, Making discord with His own. | There to walk alone, rejoicing— Through the ruin and the sin; Darkness of the midnight round Him, Glory of God’s love within. | From no lower fountain flowing Than the heart of God above, All the gladness of that glory, All the power of that love. | Onward to the cross rejoicing, Where all powers of evil met, Giving thanks ’midst deepest darkness That God’s love was deeper yet. | Then ascended in the glory, By that love’s unfailing spring, There to sing the song of triumph, There the song of songs to sing. | Hearken to that hymn of glory Filling all the holy place, Golden psalm of Him who looketh On the Father’s blessed face. | Voice of measureless rejoicing, Joy unmingled, deep and clear, Wonder to the listening Heavens, Music to the Father’s ear. | Won in travail of His Spirit, Agony, and shame, and blood, That blest place beside the Father, Nearest to the heart of God. | Won for me! my praises leading, Jesus sings that song divine; All His joy my own for ever, All His peace for ever mine. | What though drought be all around me, Desert land on every side— With that spring of love and gladness Shall I not be satisfied? | |