Supported by the Word

by John Newton

The power and triumph of faith by John Newton

Scripture reference: Dan 3:6

Supported by the word,

Though in himself a worm,

The servant of the LORD

Can wondrous acts perform:

Without dismay he boldly treads

Where'er the path of duty leads.

The haughty king in vain,

With fury on his brow,

Believers would constrain

To golden gods to bow:

The furnace could not make them fear,

Because they knew the Lord was near.

As vain was the decree

Which charged them not to pray;

Daniel still bowed his knee,

And worshiped thrice a day:

Trusting in God, he feared not men,

Though threatened with the lion's den.

Secure they might refuse

Compliance with such laws,

For what had they to lose,

When GOD espoused their cause?

He made the hungry lions crouch,

Nor durst the fire his children touch.

The Lord is still the same,

A mighty shield and tow'r,

And they who trust his name

Are guarded by his pow'r:

He can the rage of lions tame,

And bear them harmless through the flame.

Yet we too often shrink

When trials are in view;

Expecting we must sink,

And never can get through.

But could we once believe indeed,

From all these fears we should be freed.