# Perseverance explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This hymn encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord, assuring them that their hope is secure and they will not be overthrown. Despite many foes and personal weakness, the believer's life is hidden with Christ in God, and Jesus will aid them. Though faith may not always perceive Him, He is always near as a guide, glory, and defense. As Christ overcame and triumphed, so will those who love His name triumph in Him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The hymn emphasizes faith that sees Christ always near, even when sense perceives Him not, and trust in His word as a secure foundation.

### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life

The believer's life is hidden with Christ in God, beyond the reach of harm, and they shall triumph in Him, pointing to eternal security and victory.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The source of strength and aid for every saint; He overcame and triumphed for believers.

### The Lord

The one who makes the believer's cause His own and is the object of rejoicing.

### The Narrator

The speaker who addresses the believer with words of encouragement and assurance.

## Key lines

> The hope that’s built upon his word Can ne’er be overthrown.

A hope founded on God's word is indestructible and cannot be defeated.

_Assurance of the stability of hope based on divine promise._

> Your life is hid with Christan God, Beyond the reach of harm.

Your true life is safely hidden with Christ in God, protected from all danger.

_The believer's security is in union with Christ._

> Weak as you are, you shall not faint, Or fainting shall not die;

Despite your weakness, you will not give up completely, and even if you falter, you will not perish.

_Encouragement for the struggling believer._

> Though sometimes unperceived by sense, Faith sees him always near,

Even when your physical senses cannot perceive Him, faith recognizes His constant presence.

_The role of faith in perceiving spiritual reality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/84-perseverance
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters