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Press On!
Press On! by Lillian E. Curtis is a Christian poem of encouragement for those times when trials, disappointments, and adversity make us feel like giving up. Her words remind us that difficult days are part of life, but they do not have to defeat us.
Curtis encourages us to keep moving forward with courage, faith, and a determined heart. Even when the way seems dark or others discourage us, we can remember that God cares for us and will guide our steps. We may not always see the reward immediately, but faithful perseverance is never wasted.
May this poem encourage you to press on through whatever challenge stands before you today. Take the next step with faith, knowing that you do not walk the road alone.
Updated September 14, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Press On!
Poet: Lillian E. Curtis
Press on! press on! though trials assail,
Countenance never a word like fail,
Press on! press on! with courage three-fold,
When Fortune frowns and Fate looks cold,
Though darkness appears to obscure all the light,
Look straight toward the temples of Truth and Right;
Press on! with firm will and motives true,
For there's many a prayer ascends for you;
Press on! with a will totally undaunted.
The prize you seek shall sometime be granted;
Press on! most noble, self-sacrificing soul,
You shall surely win that coveted goal;
Press on! press on! nor let anything daunt,
Not the scornful laugh, nor the jeer, nor the taunt,
Be inspired! for round that heavenly seat
Hath been said shall the "pure in heart " together meet.
Press on! mid Prosperity's smile or Adversity's fall.
Remembering there's One who careth for all,
One who our footsteps ever will guide,
Then press on, and turn not aside;
Storms may rise, temptations come fiercer and stronger,
Press on! press on! enduring yet longer.
Words of cruel contempt and malignant scorn
May deftly o'er your innocent head be borne.
From lips that no divine praises share,
Lips that discard sacred words of prayer,
Still, press on! to Distrust a total stranger.
He will lead you past every danger;
Press on! press on! at whatever cost,
Your patience and labor shall not be lost.
You shall meet your reward, if faithful you've stood,
When the Saviour pronounces, he "hath done what he could."
Key Reflections
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Keep going when life becomes difficult.
Trials can make us tired and discouraged, but Curtis reminds us not to let hardship convince us to give up. Sometimes courage simply means taking one more step.
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Faith gives us strength to press on.
The poem reminds us that God cares for us and guides our footsteps. We may not know what lies ahead, but faith helps us continue even when the way is uncertain.
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Do not let the words of others stop you.
Criticism, ridicule, and unkind words can be discouraging. Yet we do not have to allow the opinions of others to determine whether we continue toward what we know is right.
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Patience and faithful effort are never wasted.
Results do not always come as quickly as we hope. The poem encourages us to remain faithful, patient, and willing to continue doing what we can.
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Remember who walks with you.
Perhaps the most comforting message in the poem is that we do not face life's storms alone. God knows our struggles, hears our prayers, and is with us as we press on.
Popular Pages
Find more encouragement for difficult days with these poems and quotes about faith, perseverance, and continuing forward.
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Discover more memorable verses with lessons that continue to encourage readers in our collection of Famous Poems.
Conclusion
There will be times in life when pressing on feels difficult. We may face disappointment, criticism, uncertainty, or circumstances that seem far greater than our strength. Yet Lillian E. Curtis reminds us that these are the very times when faith and perseverance matter most.
We do not have to solve everything at once. We simply need to keep moving forward, trusting that God sees the road ahead even when we cannot. A faithful heart, a willing spirit, and one more step can carry us farther than we sometimes imagine.
Whatever challenge you are facing today, may the words of this poem stay with you: press on. Do what you can, trust God with what you cannot control, and remember that your patience and faithful effort are never wasted.
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