Based at least vaguely on Isaiah 57:11-13
Sheet Music The chords for measures 13-15 might not sound good on non-piano instruments, unclear.
MP3 Recording (Instrumental Only) (The recording plays Chorus -> Verse -> Chorus -> Verse).
Lyrics:
Chorus
Whom have you feared,
who struck terror in your heart
That the God of thund’rous skies you’ve ignored?
Doubting, hopeless, blind,
can’t you see what he has done for you?
Defy this faithless spirit, praise the Lord!
Verse 1
From whence, my soul, this anxious dread?
Why look you so forlorn?
Which earthly prize, what prideful want,
whose scorn doth bid thee mourn?
How stands it next to heav’nly armies,
death defeated, God made flesh and killed?
Shall lesser things distract you from
what good the Lord has willed?
Verse 2
And why this crushing loneliness,
when Christ within you reigns?
Is perfect love too small a prize,
peace insufficient gain?
Attend the choir of ancient prophets,
saints long-martyred, all creation’s groan!
For here amidst the angels who could ever be alone?
Verse 3
And why must good seem heavy toil?
You claim to love the light!
This craven flesh, pre-sanctified, still calls the shadows bright
Give thanks for undeserved mercy,
grace in failure, truth when false I stand
Though men defy, his words resound: before all else, I AM!