~* YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION *~
Words & Music by Horatio R. Palmer, 1834-1907
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41
Temptations are common to everyone, even mature Christians. The
noblest souls are often the ones most tempted. It seems that
Satan assaults Christians in positions of leadership with his
strongest weapons. Therefore, we must all be on our constant
spiritual guard.
Jesus' 40 day temptation in the wilderness dramatically
instructs us how to overcome Satan's attacks. In each
temptation, Jesus answered the devil with Scripture.
All of the scriptural quotations Jesus used were from the book
of Deuteronomy, an indication of the importance of being
well-acquainted with the Old Testament as well as the New
(Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).
It is impossible to isolate ourselves from all of life's
temptations. The allurements of modern living are ever near.
But we are not alone in this struggle. We have
Him Who has been tempted in every way, just as we are,
yet without sin! (Hebrews 4:15). And because He Himself
suffered when He was tempted, He is able to
help those today who are being tempted according to
Hebrews 2:18. Regardless of the temptation, our Lord
understands what we are facing and stands ready to
provide the strength to resist and to emerge victorious.
Horatio R. Palmer, author and composer, was an American musician. One day while he was working on a music theory exercise, the idea for this hymn suddenly
came to him. He wrote it down as quickly as possible and with few exceptions the hymn has remained as it was written. The hymn has been an excellent teaching
song for both young and old in learning how to face the daily temptations of life.
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s Name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He Who is our Savior our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
CHORUS:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
*For Today*: Psalm 97:10; Matthew 6:13; I Corinthians 10:13; James 1:14 & 15; II Peter 2:9; Revelation 3:10
Ask God to make you a victor over all temptations that may come your way.
Music url: The Cyber Hymnal
Taken from Amazing Grace -- 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions © Copyright 1990 by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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