When I'm Afflicted, Poor, and Low
Unison choir, keyboard, and optional descant or treble obbligato. Text by Isaac Watts, from Psalm 40. A beautiful tune, flowing and lyrical with a wonderful message of hope in the midst of depair. Psalm 40 is also the appointed Psalm for the Annunciation.
When I'm afflicted, poor, and low, and light and peace depart,
my God beholds my heavy woe, and bears me on his heart.
I waited patient for the Lord, he bowed to hear my cry;
He saw me resting on his word, and brought salvation nigh.
He raised me from a horrid pit, where mourning long I lay,
and from my bonds released my feet, deep bonds of miry clay.
Firm on a rock he made me stand, and taught my cheerful tongue
to praise the wonders of his hand, in a new thankful song.
How many are thy thoughts of love! Thy mercies, Lord, how great!
We have not words nor hours enough, their numbers to repeat.
When I'm afflicted, poor, and low, and light and peace depart,
my God beholds my heavy woe, and bears me on his heart.