1
Why should I fear the darkest hour,
Or tremble at the tempter's power?
Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower.
Or tremble at the tempter's power?
Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower.
2
Though hot the fight, why quit the field?
Why must I either fly or yield,
Since Jesus is my mighty shield?
Why must I either fly or yield,
Since Jesus is my mighty shield?
3
When creature comforts fade and die,
Worldlings may weep, but why should I?
Jesus still lives, and still is nigh.
Worldlings may weep, but why should I?
Jesus still lives, and still is nigh.
4
Though all the flocks and herds were dead,
My soul a famine need not dread,
For Jesus is my living bread.
My soul a famine need not dread,
For Jesus is my living bread.
5
I know not what may soon betide,
Or how my wants shall be supplied;
But Jesus knows, and will provide.
Or how my wants shall be supplied;
But Jesus knows, and will provide.
6
Though sin would fill me with distress,
The throne of grace I dare address,
For Jesus is my righteousness.
The throne of grace I dare address,
For Jesus is my righteousness.
7
Though faint my prayers and cold my love,
My steadfast hope shall not remove,
While Jesus intercedes above.
My steadfast hope shall not remove,
While Jesus intercedes above.
8
Against me earth and hell combine;
But on my side is power divine;
Jesus is all, and He is mine!
But on my side is power divine;
Jesus is all, and He is mine!
Delete Comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Lusaka, Zambia
What a comforting hymn to the distressed mind.
"Against me earth and hell combine;
But on my side is power divine;
Jesus is all, and He is mine!
... Jesus knows and He will provide"
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Why should I fear when I know that Jesus Cares? He supplies my everyday needs and also plans for my future needs. He knows me much better than I know myself. Truly I know not how my needs will be met, but Jesus knows, and He alone will supply. Hallelujah!!! Thank you Jesus
Detroit, MI, United States
This is such a sweet hymn of comfort and a reminder of the very near, providential care of our great God. The structure of the hymn verses are a delightful reminder of dual realities and the immovable permanence we have in Christ.
First, we live in a very fallen world. There are great, dark hours of the soul that we face even as Jesus‘ disciples. There are conflicts obvious and surprising that arise that threaten to overwhelm us. There is the distress of sin in our lives and we carry in our hearts. There is spiritual indifference that plagues us. Indeed the world and hell itself seems arrayed against us.
Each verse then contains an interlude which is essentially an inquiry into the distinction between those who are in Christ and those who are in the world. Yes the world flies in the face of danger, bends before sins draw and it’s power, worries unendingly about tomorrow, etc. , not so for those who are in Christ.
Despite the troubles we face in this world, we must not believe or conclude that our travails get the final word. So John Newton turns our attention to the sufficiency of the incarnate God, Jesus Christ. Like the author of Hebrews he calls us to fix our eyes on the sufficiency and greatness of Jesus. So our troubles are great, but greater is the King of kings. Newton turns to the rich themes of Jesus is atonement for us, he has high Priestly laborers on our behalf, his indescribable power which was exerted in his resurrection, etc. , ending each verse with a punctuated acclamation of Jesus’ greatness
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Jesus is author and finisher; and inbetween, all in all.
Thank You Jesus!
Nipomo, CA, United States
Lord I believe You, help my unbelief when I fall short for my spirit IS willing but my flesh is weak. Thank You for remembering we are dust. Thank You for being my anchor in this chaotic world!
Santa Ana, CA, United States
Jesus is all! Jesus is mine! He is all that we need!
Chicago, Illinois, United States
This is my favorite hymn. The Lord keeps us safe and reminds us not to be afraid of troubles, but to remember He is the most high and he keeps us safe. Jesus is all, and He is mine!!!
Most online hymn directories don't have this hymn--I was so thankful to find it here! The words of this hymn have ministered to me in times of great distress and temptations to fear. Whatever problem arises, Jesus Christ is the solution!