When the Almightywas yetwith me, [And] my childrenwere aroundme;
"Ohthat I knewwhere I might findHim, That I might cometo His seat!
As I was in the primeof my days,When the friendshipof God[was] overmy tent;
When my stepswere bathedin butter,And the rockpouredout for me streamsof oil!
Your wifeshall be like a fruitfulvineWithinyour house,Your childrenlike oliveplantsAroundyour table.
O LORD,by Your favorYou have made my mountainto standstrong;You hidYour face,I was dismayed.
For You are the Godof my strength;whyhave You rejectedme? Whydo I gomourningbecause of the oppressionof the enemy?
Grandchildrenare the crownof oldmen,And the gloryof sonsis their fathers.
"He has broughtme to [his] banquethall,And his banneroverme is love.
"O Hopeof Israel,Its Saviorin timeof distress,Whyare You like a strangerin the landOr like a travelerwho has pitchedhis [tent] for the night?
And Jesussaidto them, "The attendantsof the bridegroomcannotmournas longas the bridegroomis with them, can they? But the dayswill comewhenthe bridegroomis taken awayfrom them, and thenthey will fast.
"Have I not commandedyou? Be strongand courageous!Do not trembleor be dismayed,for the LORDyour Godis with you whereveryou go."
