BWV 188 Ich habe meine Zuversicht

Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity.

Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander), Ernst-Schertzhaffte und Satyrische Gedichte, Teil III (Leipzig, 1732); Facs: Neumann T, p. 343.

6. First verse of the hymn, L�beck, before 1603 (cf. Fischer-T�mpel, IV, #575).

1728 or soon thereafter, Leipzig.

BG 37; NBA I/25.

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1. Sinfonia

2. Aria (T)

I have now all my confidence
To the faithful God assigned
Where rests my expectation firmly.

  • When all shall break, when all shall fail,
    When no one faith and word shall keep,
    E'en so is God surpassing gracious.

3. Recit. (B)

God meaneth well for ev�ryone,
E�en midst the very worst of trouble.
Though he awhile his love concealeth,
His heart for us in secret cares,
This can he nevermore withdraw;
And even if the Lord would slay me,
My hope doth rest in him,
Because his angered countenance
Is nothing but
A cloud which casts a shadow;
It only holds the sunlight back,
So that with help of gentle showers
The heav�nly blessing
Then that much richer might become.
The Lord transforms himself into a wrathful God
To make his comfort seem that stronger;
He would, he could not wish us evil.
I'll not let him go, until he me bless.(1)

4. Aria (A)

Not to fathom is the manner
How the Lord his people leads.

  • Even our own cross and pain
    Must to our advantage be
    And to bring his name great honor.

5. Recit. (S)

The world�s great might shall disappear.
Who can depend on rank and honor?
But God abideth evermore;
Blest all those who in him are trusting!

6. Chorale (S,A,T,B)

In my belov�d God
I trust in fear and need;
He can me e�er deliver
From sadness, fear and trouble.
My sorrow can he alter,
For in his hands all resteth.

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1. Cf. Gen. 32:36 and BWV 157/1.