HYMN #0886 SSS #886 • SS&S Meter: 7.6. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #886: I’ve found a joy in sorrow

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

I’ve found a joy in sorrow,
A secret balm for pain,
A beautiful to-morrow
Of sunshine after rain;
I’ve found a branch of healing
Near every bitter spring,
A whispered promise stealing
O’er every broken string.

I’ve found a glad hosanna
For every woe and wail;
A handful of sweet manna
When grapes of Eshcol fail;
I’ve found a Rock of Ages
When desert wells are dry;
And, after weary stages,
I’ve found an Elim nigh.

An Elim with its coolness,
Its fountains, and its shade;
A blessing in its fulness,
When buds of promise fade.
O’er tears of soft contrition
I’ve seen a rainbow light,
A glory and fruition,
So near! —yet out of sight.

My Saviour, Thee possessing,
I have the joy, the balm,
The healing and the blessing,
The sunshine and the psalm;
The promise for the fearful,
The Elim for the faint;
The rainbow for the tearful,
The glory for the saint!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I’ve found a joy in sorrow"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #886 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 7.6.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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