O why despond in life’s dark vale?

Why sink to fears a prey?

Th’ almighty power can never fail,

His love can ne’er decay.

2 Behold the birds that wing the air,

Nor sow nor reap the grain;

Yet God, with all a father’s care,

Relieves when they complain.

3 Behold the lilies of the field:

They toil nor labor know;

Yet royal robes to theirs must yield,

In beauty’s richest glow.

4 That God who hears the raven’s cry,

Who decks the lily’s form,

Will surely all your wants supply,

And shield you in the storm.

5 Seek first his kingdom’s grace to share:

Its righteousness pursue:

And all that needs your earthly care

He will bestow on you.