Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in rev’rence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown,
Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Savior, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
Written by: Horatio G. Palmer in 1868
- Subjects: Temptation, resistance, spiritual strength
- Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Tune: Temptation (or Aria) by George C. Stebbins (1899)
- Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
- Palmer wrote the hymn during a time of personal struggle and doubt.
- The hymn's message emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation and seeking spiritual strength.
- The lyrics encourage believers to rely on God's power and promise to overcome temptation.
- The hymn has been widely used in evangelistic meetings and revival services.
- It remains a popular choice for worship services and devotional singing.
- The hymn's message and melody have been influential in shaping Christian thought and practice regarding temptation and spiritual growth.
Some interesting facts:
- Horatio Palmer was an American Methodist Episcopal minister and hymn writer.
- He wrote over 200 hymns, but "Yield Not to Temptation" remains his most famous work.
- The hymn was first published in Palmer's book "Songs of the Soul" in 1869.
- The tune "Temptation" was composed by George Stebbins, a prominent evangelistic musician.
The story of Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 39) is a powerful illustration of yielding not to temptation. Joseph, a young man with a strong faith, was tempted by Potiphar's wife to commit adultery. Despite her persistent advances, Joseph resisted the temptation, citing his faith and loyalty to God.
When Joseph refused her advances, Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempted rape, leading to his imprisonment. However, even in prison, Joseph continued to trust God and eventually rose to become a prominent leader in Egypt.
This story teaches us that:
1. Temptation is a natural part of life, but we have the power to choose how we respond.
2. Yielding to temptation can lead to serious consequences, while resisting it can lead to spiritual growth and strength.
3. Our faith and loyalty to God should guide our decisions and actions.
4. Even in difficult circumstances, trusting God and remaining faithful can lead to a brighter future.
This story and the hymn "Yield Not to Temptation" encourage us to rely on God's strength to overcome temptations and stay committed to our values and beliefs.
