In the floods of tribulation,
While the billows o'er me roll,
Jesus whispers consolation
And supports my fainting soul;
Sweet affliction
That brings Jesus to my soul.
Thus the lion yields me honey,
From the eater food is given;
Strengthened thus I still press forward,
Singing on my way to heaven.
Sweet affliction,
Helping speed me on to heaven.
So in darkest dispensations
Doth my faithful Lord appear,
With his richest consolations
To reanimate and cheer;
Sweet affliction,
Thus to bring my Saviour near.
Floods of tribulation heighten,
Billows still around me roar;
Those who know not Christ they frighten;
But my soul defies their power:
Sweet affliction,
Thus to bring my Saviour near.
In the sacred page recorded,
Thus His word securely stands;
"Fear not; I'm, in trouble, near thee,
Naught shall pluck thee from my hands."
Sweet affliction,
Every word my love demands.
All I meet, I find, assists me
In my path to heavenly joy,
Where, though trials now attend me,
Trials never more annoy.
Sweet affliction,
Every promise gives me joy.
Wearing there a weight of glory,
Still the path I'll ne'er forget,
But, exulting, cry it led me
To my blessed Saviour's seat;
Sweet affliction,
Which hath brought me to his feet.
--Pearce.
Glory to God--to God! he saith,
Knowledge by suffering entereth,
And life is perfected by death.
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning.