In the Desert of Sorrow and Sin

In the desert of sorrow and sin,
Lo! I faint as I journey along;
With the warfare without and within,
See my strength and my hope nearly gone.

Refrain

I thirst, let me drink,
Of the live-giving stream let me drink;
’Tis the Rock, cleft for me,
’Tis the water, the water of life.

In my weakness I turn to the fount,
From the Rock that was smitten for me;
And I drink, and I joyfully count
All my trials a blessing to be.

Refrain

O Thou God of compassion, I pray,
Let me ever abide in Thy sight;
Let me drink of the fount day by day,
Till I join Thee in mansions of light.

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1885

Fanny J. Crosby (also known as Frances Jane Crosby) is the most likely author; the lyrics, refrain structure, and themes of the 'Rock cleft for me' and 'water of life' are characteristic of her gospel hymn style. The tune was composed by William H. Doane, a frequent collaborator.