1
Why should I fear the darkest hour,
Or tremble at the tempter’s power?
Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower.
Jesus my tower!
Or tremble at the tempter’s power?
Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower.
Jesus my tower!
2
Though hot the fight, why quit the field?
Why must I either fly or yield,
Since Jesus is my mighty shield?
Jesus my shield!
Why must I either fly or yield,
Since Jesus is my mighty shield?
Jesus my shield!
3
When creature comforts fade and die,
Worldlings may weep, but why should I?
Jesus still lives, and still is nigh.
Jesus is nigh!
Worldlings may weep, but why should I?
Jesus still lives, and still is nigh.
Jesus is nigh!
4
Though all the flocks and herds were dead,
My soul a famine need not dread,
For Jesus is my living bread.
Jesus my bread!
My soul a famine need not dread,
For Jesus is my living bread.
Jesus my bread!
5
I know not what may soon betide,
Or how my wants shall be supplied;
But Jesus knows, and will provide.
Jesus provides!
Or how my wants shall be supplied;
But Jesus knows, and will provide.
Jesus provides!
6
Though sin would fill me with distress,
The throne of grace I dare address,
For Jesus is my righteousness.
My righteousness!
The throne of grace I dare address,
For Jesus is my righteousness.
My righteousness!
7
Though faint my prayers and cold my love,
My steadfast hope shall not remove,
While Jesus intercedes above.
He intercedes!
My steadfast hope shall not remove,
While Jesus intercedes above.
He intercedes!
8
Against me earth and hell combine;
But on my side is power divine;
Jesus is all, and He is mine!
Jesus is mine!
But on my side is power divine;
Jesus is all, and He is mine!
Jesus is mine!
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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
I thank You Lord that You will supply all my needs and I don’t have to fear because You are all! You give me tears of joy. Hallelujah!!
United States
I find this hymn encouraging and comforting. Thanks Hymnal. com.