Changes: Rather than coming up with a composite translation (of John Kelly and Catherine Winkworth), I worked with whosever translation was better, stanza by stanza. Sometimes this works , sometimes it doesn't. Suggestions would be much appreciated, since I think this hymn has great potential.
Note: Neither of the translators were Lutheran, so please check my disclaimer.
Also, if anyone knows where I can find Richard Massie's translation (Wherefore dost Thou, blest of God), I would really like to know.
Tune: The meter is 87 87 77 88 and can be sung to WERDE MUNTER (LSB 589).
1. Blessed of the Lord, why are You,
Standing out there from afar?
Enter now, if it should please You-
Fill my darkened heart, my Star!
Oh my Jesus, Friend indeed,
Helper in the time of need:
Come, my Healer, and relieve me
Of my wounds which deeply grieve me.
2. For I live in constant terror
By the law's tremendous sway:
Every thoughtless deed and error
Stands before me night and day.
Oh, the heavy thunder bolts
Caused by ignorant revolts!
All the blood inside me curling,
All the fears of death enswirling.
3. Furthermore, the great Deceiver
Tries to me all grace deny,
Saying that in hell forever,
Which torments him, I must lie.
But I suffer sorer pangs,
For with poison'd serpent fangs
Is my conscience always tearing,
Stirring guilt beyond all bearing.
4. When I try to soothe my sorrow,
And my pain awhile forget,
From the world a comfort borrow,
Then I sink still deeper yet;
There is comfort that deceives,
Joys that stinging mem'ries leave,
"Help" which only makes griefs double,
"Friends" who laugh at all my trouble.
5. All is vanity, yes nothing
In the world can quench my soul;
Have I greatness, it is fleeting;
Have I riches? They are null.
Better than small dust of earth?
Have I pleasure? What's it worth?
What gives joy today, tomorrow
Only brings a day of sorrow.
6. All delight, all consolation
Lies in You, Lord Jesus Christ,
Feed my soul with Your salvation,
Savior, Bread of Life unpriced.
Joyous Light, within me glow
As my heart breaks in its woe;
Jesus, come so I can see You;
Let me rest forever in You.
7. Heart, rejoice for He has heard You,
He will visit you again;
See, He turns around toward You,
Bid Him “Welcome, please come in!”
And prepare for this great Guest:
Give yourself unto His rest,
Open all your soul's distresses,
Tell Him all that pains or presses.
8. See, the things that seemed to hinder,
How God turns them out for best!
Listen, hear His lips so tender:
How He lays regret to rest!
He has silenced Satan’s roar,
Who is scheming now no more.
His advantages forsake him,
And he’ll now to hell be taken.
9. Now your life is calm and even,
All your heart's desire is yours:
Christ Himself to you has given,
Lays His riches at your door!
His grace is your fairest crown,
You’re His royal seat and throne;
With Himself as one He makes you,
Freely to His bosom takes you.
10. God His golden-curtained Heaven
Spreads around your weary soul,
Or you would away be driven
By the fearsome, raging bull.
Angel hosts keep watch and ward
At your side and are your guard ;
Or the foe would try to hurt you,
In your journeys they support you.
11. Your misdeeds exist no longer,
He has cast them out to sea,
And the love of God shall conquer
All the horror sin can be.
Christ the King has won the day,
Rise against you what ill may,
He with blessing will exalt You
O'er whatever would assault you.
12. What would seem to hurt or shame you
God will work your good at last;
Because Christ has deigned to claim you,
And His truth stands always fast;
You in turn will faithful be,
Then you will with certainty,
With the angel hosts in Heaven,
Always thanks and praise be giving.
Paul Gerhardt
Warum willst du draußen stehen1,3,5,7-10 tr. Kelly, alt.
2,3,6,11-12 tr. Winkworth, alt.
