January 6, 2010
10:37 AM

“How Firm a Foundation” was first published in 1787 in A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, which was edited by London pastor John Rippon. The melody is an early American tune, and the author of the text in Rippon’s volume is only marked as “K.” There are a number of potential authors, including John Keene, who was the music director at Rippon’s church.

Much of the hymn is taken almost directly from scripture. Verse one sets the stage, encouraging believers to find refuge and a firm foundation in God’s word. Verse two comes from Isaiah 41:10; verses three and four come from Isaiah 43:2 and 2 Corinthians 12:9; and verse five points to Hebrews 13:5. God’s word is the only sure, solid foundation for our lives.

How Firm a Foundation
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 righteous, 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 flames 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 its foes
That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake

Bill Born