Lyrics
Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe;
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.
Refrain:
Never give up, never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart;
Trust in the Lord, trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.
What if thy burdens oppress thee;
What though thy life may be drear;
Look on the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear.
Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Never Give Up” offers encouragement for periods of sorrow, pressure, and uncertainty. Written in the language of a traditional hymn, it directs the troubled person toward faith, prayer, and reliance on God’s grace. Each verse acknowledges real burdens without allowing distress to have the final word. The refrain answers despondency with repeated calls to trust the Lord, take heart, and continue singing even when trials feel greatest.
The lyric grounds perseverance in God’s help rather than sheer determination. Grace is requested for present duties, prayer is presented as a response to an unclear path, and the Lord’s arm becomes an image of dependable support. Its counsel closely matches biblical passages that connect courage with trust and prayer with peace. The promise that Jesus can drive sorrow away is expressed devotionally, while the broader message remains one of enduring hope under divine care. The song therefore functions as both comfort and exhortation, urging steady faith amid hardship.
Related Scripture
- Proverbs 3:5-6 The passage calls for trust in the Lord and promises that he will direct the path.
- Philippians 4:6-7 Paul directs anxious believers toward prayer and God’s guarding peace.
- Isaiah 41:10 God tells his people not to fear and promises to strengthen and uphold them.