Why So Gloomy, Why this Guise?

Who: This hymn is one of the many forgotten hymns of greatest Lutheran hymnwriter, Paul Gerhardt. It's one of his many hymns that could be filed under "Hope and Comfort." However, while a number of translations exist- by Jane Borthwick, Catherine Dunn, Anna Warner, and John Kelly- none of them are that great.

Changes: Yet, "the four of them, their forces combined... Holy nightmare!" So, I've taken what I like from each of them, and only kept the really strong stanzas. (I know, I know)

Note: The original did not mention the Sacrament (verse 4), yet I couldn't resist the rhyme. 

None of the aforementioned translators were Lutheran, so please check my disclaimer.

Tune: The meter is 77 77 77. I've found two tunes that claim to be the proper tune. The second tune is arranged by Bach. If neither is suitable, GETHSEMANE (LSB 611) could work.

Why so gloomy, why this guise?

Why, my spirit, thus cast down?

If to you your God denies

Wealth and pleasure and renown?

You have all in Him, indeed:

If you've God, you’ve got no need.

God Who lives in heav'n above

Knows your need, your life sustains;

He Whose heart is full of love,

All your earthly life ordains;

Ev'ry good His love supplies,

Hurtful gifts His love denies.

All the while His Spirit gives

Manna to your fainting heart,

Food by which the angels live,

Mercy to you He imparts.

Yea, He chooses You for Health,

To His heav'nly good and wealth.

For the soul's true nourishment 

Are God’s grace and Jesus' blood- 
Given in the Sacrament-
They'll remain forever good.
Earthly goods will pass away, 
God's gifts never will decay.

So lift up your head, my soul,

Look above and cease to sigh;

Fix your hopes on that bright goal

Where your dearest treasures lie:

Sorrow lasts for but a night:

Joy will come when it is light.

As you struggle through your life,

Set the Lord before your eyes.

Ev'ry hour of peace or strife

Is a gift- do not despise.

Is it adverse? It's okay-

God is with you ev'ry day.

Nicht so traurich, nicht so sehr

Paul Gerhardt
tr. Composite