Rejoice in the Lord ‎#172

172. How Firm a Foundation

1 How firm a foundation, you 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?

2 "Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
for I am your God and will still give you aid:
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

3 "When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you in trouble to bless
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

4 "When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you, my only design
your dross to consume, and your gold to refine."

5 The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
he will not, he cannot desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
he never will leave, he will never forsake.

Text Information

• First Line: How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord
• Title: How Firm a Foundation
• Author: Anonymous (c. 1787; alt.)
• Meter: 11.11.11.11 anapaestic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Scripture:
  Deuteronomy 31:6
  ;
  Deuteronomy 31:8
  ;
  Joshua 1:5
  ;
  Isaiah 43:2
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Strength and Refuge

Tune Information

• Name: FOUNDATION
• Meter: 11.11.11.11 anapaestic
• Key: A♭ Major
• Source: American Folk Song