1. Sometimes a light surprises
       The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
       With healing in his wings:
When comforts are declining,
       He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
       To cheer it after rain.

2. In holy contemplation,
       We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
       And find it ever new:
Set free from present sorrow,
       We cheerfully can say,
E'en let th' unknown to-morrow
       Bring with it what it may.

3. It can bring with it nothing
       But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
       Will clothe his people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens,
       No creature but is fed;
And he who feeds the ravens,
       Will give his children bread.

4. Though vine nor fig-tree neither
       Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
       Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding,
       His praise shall tune my voice;
For while in him confiding,
       I cannot but rejoice.