I Shall Not Want

Thou all-sufficient One,
Who art
The chosen portion of my heart!
Other rejoicing need I none, —
I can find all in Thee,
Thou chiefest good to me!
Who has Thee is satisfied;
Who by Thee doth still abide
Is no more lonely, at Thy side.

To whom Thou dost reveal,
Thy face,
He lives in joy in every place, —-
In every time has what he will.
Who in his deep heart-ground
To Thee is firmly bound,
Still and joyful knows no fear.
Earth costs him no bitter tear, —
Earth grows dim when Thou art near.

O highest joy of joy!
True rest!
Comfort of every aching breast!
Whom can earth trouble and annoy,
Whom Thou art near to bless,
Who does Thy love possess?
All I seek for out of Thee
Hindrance to my joy might be,
And diminish peace in me.

Whom Thou dost call Thy child,
Thine own, —
By all on earth may be unknown,
By all on earth may be reviled:
What then? if God be his
He needs no other bliss.
If I know that I have Thee,
Life and strength and joy may flee,
Griefs may come, — they move not me.

Come, O thou blessed One,
My choice!
Now in Thy light make me rejoice, —
Come, fill the soul which Thou hast won.
Come, take the whole, that I
To Thee may live and die.
I am Thine, O, be Thou mine,
Until in yonder life divine
Thy face on me shall fully shine!

- Gerhard Tersteegen-