Joy Through Tribulation

Lord how can I last through this tribulation I’m hurt, My soul trembles, My very foundations are shook. I find my only solace in You oh Lord, Yet You deign to grant me abundant joy and peace, How when I was so far gone is it possible with these exceeding troubles that I know You will lift me up? That I know You will free me from these wretched chains? Lord how can I feel such pure elation when the world troubles me so? How is it when I want to give in and cry out, that I cry out to You instead and suddenly I can smile, even laugh? On my own Lord a smile during tribulation hurts more than a thousand tears, But with Your grace oh Lord that smile becomes genuine and is balm for my aching heart, That smile Lord is in confidence of a hope and future I know You have planned for me. Lord I am assured in Your promised. Though I am wretched and unworthy, You loved me enough to give Your son. Lord nothing I can do can earn salvation, yet You granted it to me, I know I need not worry about tomorrow, That I need not worry about hunger, thirst, or garment, Neither diseases nor things of darkness, Lord I know You are faithful and just and that I am protected through Your blood and by Your love. Lord I have faith, I know, and I am assured in the fact that through You all things are possible, Lord cleanse any doubt in my heart and use me for the purpose You have planned for me. I see pain all around me, yet I want to sing of Your love and I want all creation to sing as well, I long for even my enemies to bask in this feeling. I want to tell the world, even if the world is meant to hate me, What is pride and mockery compared to Your love? I am not ashamed Lord. How can I pay back in shame what You bestowed upon me? Salvation, joy, even peace? Everything good is from You Lord. How can I ever shun the only happiness in my troubles, How can I isolate myself from my creator who knew me before I was formed? Who loved me before I was even a thought? Lord I praise You. Lord how can words even grasp my awe and love for You? And with that will words ever be able to completely express Your love for us? Lord I exalt You. Search my soul oh God and show me what needs to be done. I alone can do nothing. But with You I can boldly step out and do the impossible. Lord, I need You.