March We Onward - Hymn With Lyrics

1. March onward, march onward, our banner of light
Is waving before us majestic and bright;
March onward through trial, temptation, and strife,
No rest from the conflict, the battle of life.

Chorus:
Press forward, look upward, be strong in the Lord,
Our hope in His mercy, our trust in His word.
Press forward, look upward, march homeward, and sing,
All glory to Jesus, to Jesus our King.

2. March onward undaunted, whate'er may oppose,
The sword of the Spirit will vanquish our foes;
Though legions of darkness our pathway assail
If prayer be our watchword, they cannot prevail. [Chorus]

3. The shaft of the tempter will strike, but in vain,
Our buckler of faith in Immanuel's name,
The stormclouds may gather, the thunder may roll,
Yet God is the Refuge and Rock of my soul. [Chorus]

Scripture;  Romans 13:12, Ephesians 6:10–17, 2 Timothy 2:3–4, 1 Thessalonians 5:5–6

The hymn "March Onward, March Onward" was penned by the prolific American hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby, known for her numerous contributions to Christian music. The hymn was first published in 1913 and has been included in various hymnals, such as the Hymnal for Church and Home (2nd ed., 1928) .

Themes and Scriptural Foundations

"March Onward, March Onward" employs military imagery to depict the Christian journey, portraying believers as soldiers advancing under the "banner of light." The lyrics emphasize perseverance through trials and the strength found in faith. This aligns with scriptural passages like Ephesians 6:10–17, which discusses the armor of God, and 2 Timothy 2:3, which encourages enduring hardship as a good soldier of Christ .

Musical Composition

The tune associated with this hymn is titled "March onward, march upward! Our banner of light". The melody complements the hymn's martial and triumphant tone, reinforcing its call to steadfastness and victory in the Christian faith.

Legacy

While specific details about the circumstances surrounding the hymn's composition are limited, "March Onward, March Onward" remains a testament to Fanny Crosby's enduring legacy in Christian hymnody. Its inclusion in various hymnals attests to its continued relevance and inspiration to believers.