1 When troubles come and hopes depart,
in mercy, Lord, arise;
the ruined landscape of my heart
lies bare before your eyes.
2 Where human pride is humbled low
and crushed beneath your hand,
your solace, Lord, again bestow
and heal this broken land.
3 Though darkness seems to hide your face
amid earth's sin and pain,
break through the clouds, O God of grace,
restore my soul again.
4 The banner of your love unfurled
proclaims a shelt'ring arm;
no foes in all this fallen world
can bring your people harm.
5 In holiness your word goes forth
from that eternal throne:
to east and west, to south and north,
your glory rules alone.
6 Frail human strength is nothing worth,
beset by evil pow'rs,
yet with the God of all the earth
the victory is ours!