A Stream in the Desert

I was reminded this week by a couple Facebook posts about a great song written by a friend of mine, Ashley Campbell (formerly Ashley Nelson) called “A Stream in the Desert.”  Ashley and I were in the same campus ministry for a time, and I helped Ashley arrange her song for the DPI song book, “Songs of the Kingdom” (it’s #215).  I was singing it on my prayer walk this morning – such great words of dependence on God (based on Psalm 63).

Here is a recording we made of the song back in 1999.  I’m also posting a back up track I made at the time (Ashley was asked to sing the song for the funeral of a brother who passed away that year).

A Stream in the Desert – recording
A Stream in the Desert – back up track recording

Here’s a great video of the church in Singapore doing the song!

I’m thirsty and hungry and longing,
But nothing on earth can fulfill.
There’s a place in my heart that is empty,
That only my God can fill.

A stream in the desert when I’m thirsty,
The richest of fare when I’m weak,
Thru’ the darkest of nights
I think only of You.
Oh, Your presence I earnestly seek.

My troubles and foes can surround me.
Then I call on Your name and I stand.
I remember Your power and glory,
And in praise I will lift up my hands.

For I’ve seen You in the sanctuary.
To Your presence my longing soul clings.
I will praise You as long
as I have life to live,
And I’ll sing in the shadow of Your wings.

If I had ev’ry passion and pleasure,
And if ease and success marked my ways,
Well, Your love still would be
so much better than life,
So my lips will keep singing Your praise.

A stream in the desert when I’m thirsty,
The richest of fare when I’m weak,
Thru’ the darkest of nights
I think only of You.
Oh, Your presence I earnestly seek.

A STREAM IN THE DESERT (in E)

Verse
emin / emin / D / bmin D
G D / C / D / E (maj)

Chorus
E A / Bsus B
E A / Bsus B
E A / B c#min
A B / E

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