In the secret of His presence, how my soul delights to hide!
Oh! how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus' side!
Earthly cares can never vex me, neither trials lay me low,
For when Satan comes to tempt me, to the secret place I go.
When my soul is faint and thirsty, 'neath the shadow of His wing
There is cool and pleasant shelter, and a fresh and crystal spring:
And my Saviour rests beside me as we hold communion sweet;
If I tried I could not utter what He says when thus we meet.
Only this I know: I tell Him all my doubts and griefs and fears,
Oh, how patiently He listens, and my drooping soul He cheers!
Do you think He ne'er reproves me? what a false friend He would be,
If He never, never told me of the sins that He must see.
Do you think that I could love Him half so well or as I ought,
If He did not tell me plainly of my sinful deed and thought!
No, He is so very faithful, and that makes me trust Him more,
For I know that He does love me, though He wounds me very sore.
Would you like to know the sweetness of the secret of the Lord?
Go and hide beneath His shadow; this shall then be your reward.
And whene'er you leave the silence of that happy meeting-place,
You must mind and bear the image of your Master in your face.
You will surely lose the blessing and the fullness of your joy,
If you let dark clouds distress you, and your inward peace destroy;
You may always be abiding, if you will, at Jesus' side,
In the secret of His presence, you may every moment hide.