August 2, 2019 (Friday)
The hymn, “How Firm A Foundation,” has been described as a “sermon in song.” The author is unknown, but he/she relied on the Scriptures for the message of this hymn.
Recently our music director, Robert Perry, commented on this hymn during the worship service. After we had sung all four verses, he said something like, “A wonderful hymn. When you really look at the words, you cannot help but feel close to the Lord and challenged to become a better follower of Jesus.” Those words may not resemble what he said, but they capture the spirit of the moment as he was obviously moved emotionally by the message of the hymn. We do not know who wrote it, but we can rest assured that God knows exactly who it was. I feel the writers of music that stirs the soul will be rewarded.
How Firm A Foundation
Anonymous
1787How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said–
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?“Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”