Rejoice, Believer, in the Lord by John Newton
The work presents a meditation on the assurance and strength that faith provides in the midst of adversity. It exhorts its audience to find unwavering joy and courage in the divine, emphasizing that the hope built on sacred teachings is unassailable by worldly difficulties. Despite the believer’s inherent frailty and the constant presence of adversaries, the text asserts that life is securely sheltered by a higher power, rendering any threat ineffective. Each verse reinforces the concept that divine support compensates for human weakness. The work contrasts the believer’s occasional physical or emotional vulnerability with the omnipresent aid of a transcendent force that both shields and empowers. This reliance is not abstract; it is portrayed as an active, dynamic force that accompanies every challenge, providing both guidance and protection. The imagery invoked transforms human frailty into an opportunity for divine empowerment, suggesting that perceived limitations are met with an inherent strength that comes solely from this bond of faith. The text further emphasizes that the divine has historically triumphed over forces of evil, reassuring believers that the same power will ensure their eventual victory. It presents faith as a protective shield and a source of resilience—a force that makes the believer impervious to the trials of life. Even when the divine presence might seem imperceptible, the assurance of its constant proximity is highlighted as a source of continual courage and defense. Overall, the work is a call to steadfastness, urging believers to face their journey with confidence regardless of the challenges, secure in the knowledge that every difficulty is met with divine strength and ultimate triumph.
By John Newton · First published 1779 · Genre: Christian Hymn, Religious Poetry, Devotional Literature · 194 words
First lines
I: Rejoice, believer, in the Lord, / Who makes your cause his own; / The hope that's built upon his word / Can ne'er be overthrown.
II: Though many foes beset your road, / And feeble is your arm, / Your life is hid with Christan God, / Beyond the reach of harm.
III: Weak as you are, you shall not faint, / Or fainting shall not die; / Jesus, the strength of every saint, / Will aid you from on high.
IV: Though sometimes unperceived by sense, / Faith sees him always near, / A guide, a glory, a defence; / Then what have you to fear?
Genres
- Christian Hymn — The work is a hymn explicitly designed for worship and liturgical use, emphasizing faith and reliance on divine strength.
- Religious Poetry — Its structured verses and poetic language reflect religious themes and are written in a poetic style.
- Devotional Literature — The text is intended to encourage devotion and reinforce personal faith through reflection on Christian beliefs.
- Spiritual Literature — The work explores spiritual themes such as divine protection and inner strength, characteristic of spiritual writings.
Tags
Christian · Biblical · Praise · Worship · Devotional · Spiritual · Faith · Grace · Redemption · Salvation · Hope · Inspiration
What this Textopian page supports
Rejoice, Believer, in the Lord is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Newton, dated 1779 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Newton
- Date: 1779 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Christian Hymn, Religious Poetry, Devotional Literature, Spiritual Literature, Theological Song
- Length: 194 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Rejoice, Believer, in the Lord by John Newton
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