Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul

I enjoy finding "new to me" hymn texts. Some are written fairly recently, while others are rather old. I came across one this morning by Anne Steele (1716-1778), an English Baptist and Poet. It captures the heart cry of a person who is weary and heavy laden, coming to God, and finding rest, strength, and grace to help in time of need. May it encourage your fainting heart today.

Dear refuge of my weary soul,

On Thee, when sorrows rise,

On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,

My fainting hope relies.

While hope revives, though pressed with fears,

And I can say, "My God,"

Beneath thy feet I spread my cares,

And pour my woes abroad.

To Thee I tell each rising grief,

For Thou alone canst heal;

Thy Word can bring a sweet relief

For ev'ry pain I feel.

But oh! when gloomy doubts prevail,

I fear to call Thee mine;

The springs of comfort seem to fail

And all my hopes decline.

Yet, gracious God, where shall I flee?

Thou art my only trust;

And still my soul would cleave to Thee

Though prostrate in the dust.

Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face,

And shall I seek in vain?

And can the ear of sov'reign grace

Be deaf when I complain?

No, still the ear of sov'reign grace

Attends the mourner's prayer;

Oh, may I ever find access

To breathe my sorrows there.

Thy mercy seat is open still,

Here let my soul retreat;

With humble hope attend Thy will,

And wait beneath Thy feet.