When my Savior, my Shepherd, is near, How quickly my sorrows depart! New beauties around me appear, New spirits enliven my heart: His presence gives peace to my soul, And Satan assaults me in vain; While my Shepherd his power controls, I think I no more shall complain. But alas, what a change do I find, When my Shepherd withdraws from my sight! Then my fears all return to my mind, And my day is soon changed into night: And the devil his efforts renews To confound and ensnare me again; All my pleasing enjoyments I lose, And can only lament and complain. By these changes I often pass thro’, I am taught my own weakness to know; I am taught what my Shepherd can do, And how much to His mercy I owe: It is He who supports me thro’ all, When I faint He revives me again; He attends to my prayer when I call, And He bids me no longer complain. O then why should I murmur and grieve? Since my Shepherd is always the same, And has promised He never will leave Any soul that confides in His name: To relieve me from all that I fear, He was buffeted, tempted, and slain; And at length He will surely appear, Tho’ He leaves me awhile to complain. While I dwell in the enemy’s land, Can I hope to be always in peace? ’Tis enough that my Shepherd’s at hand, And that shortly this warfare will cease; For ere long He will bid me remove From this region of sorrow and pain, To abide in His presence above, And then I no more shall complain.