Sunday Hymn - From the Depths of Woe

As I wrote last week (during the storm), it was hard for me to put myself on the same level of deprivation and need for salvation as those we helped in Mississippi (and everyone there we didn't help). But as this hymn reminds me, it is from the depths of woe that Christ rescues us from, no matter what we have to bring to the table. As I was reminded in church this morning, whether or not I actually held the nails, 'it was my sin that held Him there.' Humanity's worst expression of sin is also the most glorious redemption we could imagine. I love how this song moves from the depravity of our state to the glorious grace that is offered to us.

From the depths of woe I raise to Thee
The voice of lamentation;
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me
And hear my supplication;
If Thou iniquities dost mark,
Our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
O who shall stand before Thee?
O who shall stand before Thee?

To wash away the crimson stain,
Grace, grace alone availeth;
Our works, alas! Are all in vain;
In much the best life faileth;
No man can glory in Thy sight,
All must alike confess Thy might,
And live alone by mercy
And live alone by mercy.

Therefore my trust is in the Lord,
And not in my own merit;
On Him my soul shall rest, His word
Upholds my fainting spirit;
His promised mercy is my fort,
My comfort and my sweet support;
I wait for it with patience
I wait for it with patience.

What though I wait the live-long night,
And 'til the dawn appeareth,
My heart still trusteth in His might;
It doubteth not nor feareth;
Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed;
And wait 'til God appeareth
And wait 'til God appeareth.

Though great our sins and sore our woes
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
Our upmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is He,
Who will at last His Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow
From all their sin and sorrow.