I Could Not Do Without Thee

 

"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance."
(John 10:10)

A beautiful wildflower meadow near Tarvin, Cheshire England

Picture courtesy/Lookphotos

I could not do without Thee,  

    O Saviour of the lost,

Whose precious blood redeemed me

   At such a tremendous cost

Thy righteousness, Thy pardon, 

  Thy precious blood,  must be

My only hope and comfort,  

 My glory and my plea.

I could not do without Thee;  

I cannot stand alone,

I have no strength or goodness, 

 No wisdom of my own;

But Thou, beloved Saviour,

  Art all in all to me,

And weakness will be power,

  If leaning hard on Thee.

I could not do without Thee;

  No other friend can read,

The spirit's strange deep longings,

  Interpreting its need;

No human heart could enter 

 Each dim recess of mine,

And soothe, and hush, and calm it, 

 O blessed Lord but Thine.

I could not do without Thee,  

 For years are fleeting fast,

And soon in solemn loneness,

 The river must be passed;

But Thou wilt never leave me, 

 And though the waves roll high,

I know Thou wilt be near me,  

 And whisper, "It is I."

Image courtesy the National Portrait Gallery

London, England

"I Could Not Do Without Thee"
(1873)
Frances Ridley Havergal
(1836-1879)
English hymn writer and poetess