How Firm a Foundation

The authorship of this well known hymn has always been a mystery.  It first appeared in 1787 in Selection of Hymns, published by Dr. John Rippon and is classified as an American melody. What an American melody and message it has!

How 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 - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

When thru the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; for I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When thru fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee - I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, tho all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never - no, never - no never forsake.

What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

I look around and there are so many people struggling.  Struggling with finances, families, food, shelter, health, jobs, and just plain old life in general.  Many are looking for the quick fixes, make-overs, and the claim to fame or success!  But unless our lives are built on the firm foundation of Christ all is in vain. Our strength and stability lie in Christ alone.  We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. . ." Hebrews 13:6

Here are some "Foundational Verses" to stand on:

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God..." Isaiah 41:10

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee . . ." Isaiah 43:2

"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . ."  2 Corithians 12:9

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee . . ."  Hebrews 13:5

 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.