Shall I, For Fear Of Feeble Man – Hymn Lyric
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Shall I, For Fear Of Feeble Man – Hymn Lyric
Shall I, for fear of feeble man,
The Spirit’s course in me restrain?
Or, undismayed, in deed and word
Be a true witness for my Lord?
Awed by a mortal’s frown, shall I
Conceal the Word of God most high?
How then before Thee shall I dare
To stand, or how Thine anger bear?
Shall I, to soothe the unholy throng,
Soften Thy truths, and smooth my tongue,
To gain earth’s gilded toys, or flee
The cross, endured, my God, by Thee?
What then is he whose scorn I dread,
Whose wrath or hate makes me afraid?
A man! an heir of death! a slave
To sin! a bubble on the wave!
Yea, let men rage, since Thou wilt spread
Thy shadowing wings around my head;
Since in all pain Thy tender love
Will still my sure refreshment prove.
Savior of men, Thy searching eye
Doth all my inmost thoughts descry;
Doth aught on earth my wishes raise,
Or the world’s pleasures, or its praise?
The love of Christ doth me constrain
To seek the wandering souls of men;
With cries, entreaties, tears, to save,
To snatch them from the gaping grave.
For this let men revile my name.
No cross I shun, I fear no shame,
All hail, reproach, and welcome, pain!
Only Thy terrors, Lord, restrain.
My life, my blood, I here present,
If for Thy truth they may be spent,
Fulfill Thy sovereign counsel, Lord!
Thy will be done, Thy Name adored!
Give me Thy strength, O God of power;
Then let winds blow, or thunders roar,
Thy faithful witness will I be:
‘Tis fixed; I can do all through Thee!
Meaning of Shall I, For Fear Of Feeble Man
The hymn “Shall I, For Fear of Feeble Man” is a powerful expression of the author’s resolve to stay true to their faith in the face of opposition. It explores the tension between human expectations and the calling to be a witness for the Lord. In this expansion, we will delve deeper into the themes of courage, steadfastness, and the dependence on God’s strength.
The first verse of the hymn raises the question of whether the author should allow the fear of others to restrict their expression of the Spirit’s work within them. They ponder whether they should hide the Word of God, fearing the anger of mortals. This verse highlights the internal struggle many believers face when confronted with the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations.
The hymn challenges the notion of sacrificing truth for the sake of gaining worldly possessions or approval. The author resolutely rejects the idea of softening God’s truths or compromising their convictions to appease the unholy throng. They recognize the fleeting and empty nature of earthly treasures and instead choose to embrace the cross, which represents the suffering endured by Jesus for the sake of humanity.
The hymn also questions the source of the author’s fear and awe. It reminds us that the disdain or hatred of mere mortals should not overshadow our reverence for God. With strong imagery, it depicts those who oppose the author as inheritors of death, slaves to sin, and mere bubbles on the wave, emphasizing that their power is temporary and insignificant compared to God’s.
In contrast, the hymn underscores the comforting presence of God. It acknowledges that even in the face of rage and opposition, God’s protective wings offer solace and support. The author expresses their trust in God’s tender love, which provides refreshment in times of pain and difficulty.
The hymn goes on to reflect on the internal motivations behind the author’s actions. It acknowledges that the love of Christ compels them to seek out and save the wandering souls of humanity. They are willing to endure revilement and shame, recognizing that these are nothing compared to the reward of fulfilling their purpose as a faithful witness for Christ.
The third verse of the hymn intensifies the author’s commitment. They present their life and blood as offerings for the truth, aligning themselves with God’s sovereign counsel. This verse highlights the willingness to sacrifice one’s very being for the sake of God’s will and to have His name glorified.
The hymn concludes by acknowledging the need for God’s strength. It recognizes that human resolve alone is insufficient to withstand the storms of life. By surrendering to God’s power, the author proclaims their unwavering commitment to being a faithful witness. They declare that through God’s strength, they can withstand any adversity that comes their way.
In conclusion, “Shall I, For Fear of Feeble Man” is a hymn that encourages believers to stand firm in their faith regardless of societal pressures and opposition. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s truth over worldly gain and emphasizes the need for strength that can only come from reliance on God. By expanding on these ideas, we gain a deeper appreciation for the hymn’s message and the courage it inspires within us to be true witnesses for the Lord.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
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