Longing after God; or, The love of God better than life. <br /> <br />Great God, indulge my humble claim, <br />Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest; <br />The glories that compose thy name <br />Stand all engaged to make me blest. <br /> <br />Thou great and good, thou just and wise, <br />Thou art my Father and my God; <br />And I am thine by sacred ties; <br />Thy son, thy servant, bought with blood <br /> <br />With heart, and eyes, and lifted hands, <br />For thee I long, to thee I look, <br />As travellers in thirsty lands <br />Pant for the cooling water-brook. <br /> <br />With early feet I love t' appear <br />Among thy saints, and seek thy face; <br />Oft have I seen thy glory there, <br />And felt the power of sovereign grace. <br /> <br />Not fruits nor wines that tempt our taste, <br />Nor all the joys our senses know, <br />Could make me so divinely blest, <br />Or raise my cheerful passions so. <br /> <br />My life itself without thy love <br />No taste of pleasure could afford; <br />'Twould but a tiresome burden prove, <br />If I were banish'd from the Lord. <br /> <br />Amidst the wakeful hours of night, <br />When busy cares afflict my head, <br />One thought of thee gives new delight, <br />And adds refreshment to my bed. <br /> <br />I'll lift my hands, I'll raise my voice, <br />While I have breath to pray or praise; <br />This work shall make my heart rejoice, <br />And spend the remnant of my days.<br /><br />Isaac Watts<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/psalm-63/
