Norman McLean - Courage Brother Do Not Stumble Lyrics
Lyrics
Courage, brother, do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble:
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight,
Foot it bravely; strong or weary,
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God and do the right.
Perish policy and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right,
Trust no party, sect or faction;
Trust no leaders in the fight;
But in every word or action,
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man, and look above thee:
Trust in God and do the right.
Simple rule, and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward might,
Star upon our path abiding,
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God and do the right.
Video
R.I.P Norman McLeod
Meaning & Inspiration
Norman McLean’s profound spiritual anthem, "Courage Brother Do Not Stumble," released on January 26, 2013, presents itself as a timeless beacon of faith and moral fortitude in a world often fraught with uncertainty. This song is not merely a musical piece; it is a sermon set to verse, a clarion call to steadfastness that resonates deeply with the core tenets of Christian living. At its heart, the composition encourages unwavering reliance on God’s wisdom and righteous action, regardless of the trials one encounters. It serves as a spiritual compass, guiding individuals to anchor their lives not in fleeting human constructs, but in the eternal truth and justice of the Divine.
The opening lines immediately set a tone of encouragement, acknowledging life's arduous journey where paths can indeed appear "dark as night." Yet, even in such gloom, the song reassures that "there’s a star to guide the humble," a powerful metaphor for God's ever-present light and direction for those who seek Him. This sentiment echoes numerous Scriptural promises, such as Psalm 119:105, which declares, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path," signifying God's guidance through His revealed truth. The repeated exhortation to "trust in God and do the right" underscores the vital relationship between faith and action, mirroring James 2:17, which states that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." It is a call to brave endurance, reminding us of the comforting truth found in Psalm 23:4, where even in the "valley of the shadow of death," the believer fears no evil because God is present.
As the song progresses, it sharply pivots to dissect worldly values, urging us to let "perish policy and cunning," and "all that fears the light." This segment champions integrity and transparency, a direct challenge to the deceptive practices often prevalent in human affairs. It’s a powerful repudiation of manipulative strategies and hidden agendas, aligning with Ephesians 5:11, which counsels against having "nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." The lyrics then extend this counsel to social and political spheres, advising against trusting "no party, sect or faction," or "leaders in the fight." This is not a call to apathy, but a profound directive to place ultimate trust solely in God, rather than fallible human institutions or charismatic figures. Jeremiah 17:5-7 provides a potent biblical parallel: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man... Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." This profound instruction compels us to scrutinize our loyalties and ensure our ultimate allegiance rests with the Divine in "every word or action."
The concluding verses bring the message full circle, addressing the inevitable human reactions one faces when walking a path of righteousness. "Some will hate thee, some will love thee, Some will flatter, some will slight" captures the unpredictable nature of human approval and disapproval. The counsel to "cease from man, and look above thee" is liberating, freeing individuals from the burden of seeking human validation. This resonates deeply with Galatians 1:10, where Paul asks, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." The song beautifully culminates in the promise of "inward peace and inward might," a testament to the profound spiritual strength derived from a singular focus on God. This internal fortitude, untouched by external circumstances, is the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding," as described in Philippians 4:7, guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. "Courage Brother Do Not Stumble" thus emerges not just as a piece of music, but as an enduring spiritual mentor, reminding all who encounter it that true courage, peace, and guidance are found in placing absolute trust in God and consistently striving to do what is right, illuminating our journey like a constant "star upon our path abiding."