Pensive, doubting, fearful heart

by John Newton

To the afflicted, tossed with tempests and not comforted by John Newton

Pensive, doubting, fearful heart,

Hear what CHRIST the Savior says;

Every word should joy impart,

Change thy mourning into praise:

Yes, he speaks, and speaks to thee,

May he help thee to believe!

Then thou presently wilt see,

Thou hast little cause to grieve.

"Fear thou not, nor be ashamed,

All thy sorrows soon shall end

I who heav'n and earth have framed,

Am thy husband and thy friend

I the High and Holy One,

Israel's GOD by all adored;

As thy Savior will be known,

Thy Redeemer and thy Lord.

For a moment I withdrew,

And thy heart was filled with pain;

But my mercies I'll renew,

Thou shalt soon rejoice again:

Though I scorn to hide my face,

Very soon my wrath shall cease;

'Tis but for a moment's space,

Ending in eternal peace.

When my peaceful bow appears

Painted on the wat'ry cloud;

'Tis to dissipate thy fears,

Lest the earth should be o'erflowed:

'Tis an emblem too of grace,

Of my cov'nant love a sign;

Though the mountains leave their place,

Thou shalt be for ever mine.

Though afflicted, tempest-tossed,

Comfortless awhile thou art,

Do not think thou canst be lost,

Thou art graven on my heart

All thy walls I will repair,

Thou shalt be rebuilt anew;

And in thee it shall appear,

What a God of love can do.