The showers of blessings refresh grateful souls
– absorbed like the rain when it onto earth falls,
but hearts that are hardened don’t let blessings in –
like ducks’ backs and rocks that just brush away rain.

Contempt for the blessings God’s goodness supplies
will wither the soul, just as greed will despise
provisions provided for needs and relief,
and crave for the coveted things that bring grief.

The children of Israel were tempted to cry,
forgetting the slavery – the different supply
of food they had left there they longed for – distrust,
impatience, ingratitude filled them with lust.

Tune: 11 11 11 11

They wail in anger, misery,
‘God is unjust’, they say,’
‘He does not help, or care for me’,
and yet, they do not pray.

They’ve strayed aside, not turned to him,
their hearts are far away,
have no concern to leave their sin,
self-centred every day.

Trust many things – they flit and fly,
just like a wandering dove,
on various things they lean, rely,
won’t come to God for love.

“Return, return!” ‘Forgive, Receive
us, we’ll no longer trust
the crumbling helps that fail and grieve –
in grace we’ll be so blest.’
Tune: CM
(cf Hosea 7:11-14; 14:1-4)