by Pastor Clinton Macomber
This hymn was written by Fanny Crosby with the music by Ira Sankey. There is a picture taken of them when they got together on one of several occasions.
This song summarizes a theme in Fanny Crosby's life. She never gave up no matter how difficult things got. She wrote hymn poems consistently throughout her life. In fact, to hide the fact she wrote so many hymns, she used many pennames. Publishers also credited her work to several pen names.
Fanny stuck to the work that God called her to do, right up to the time of her passing. She gave everything she could to the poor. She sought to lead people to the Lord. She lived a life she hoped would please God.
Psalm 34:19-20 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. 20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Ira Sankey was a musician who accompanied D.L. Moody on the evangelistic tours. He put many of Fanny Crosby's poems to music, and then used them as new hymns at the crusades. Fanny spoke at some of the crusades herself and was Sankey's senior by 50 years.
Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe.
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.
Refrain
Never give up, never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart.
Trust in the Lord, trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.
What if thy burdens oppress thee;
What though thy life may be drear;
Look on the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear.
Never be sad or desponding,
There is a morrow for thee;
Soon thou shalt dwell in its brightness,
There with the Lord thou shalt be.
Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward.
Sources:
We are sorry to report the records have been lost...
