the strife is fierce

This was a favorite of the boys at school in morning devotion. For some unknown reason this song had the participation of most of the boys. Usually morning assembly was something that was usually endured just out of duty. Of course there was the odd day when some special announcement would spark the enthusiasm like the awarding of a trophy or the anouncment of a holiday. The one other thing that really aroused the boys was the announcement of this song. The normally bored non-participating ones would join in with a real rousing shout especially on the last line of each verse. So it is not strange that this one has stuck in my mind across the years. Today it is the verse five that came to my mind. The battle metaphor is an ever present reality for the ones who follow Christ. War is never pleasant.  Some days we lose the battle with ourselves and the world. We become discouraged. We live to 'fight' another day. The war rages on all around are signs and sounds of sorrow. We are thankful for the encouragement from the ones who took the time to write these lines.

http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/PsH/505

http://conjubilant.blogspot.com/2009/11/feast-of-all-saints.html

1 For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who to the world by faith their Lord confessed,
your name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, alleluia!

2 You were their rock, their fortress, and their might;
you, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight,
and in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia, alleluia!

3 May all your soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, alleluia!

4 O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one within your great design.
Alleluia, alleluia!

5 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
far off we hear the distant triumph song;
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, alleluia!

6 But then there breaks a yet more glorious day:
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, alleluia!

7 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, alleluia!