How Firm a Foundation

“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.

Links: Cyberhymnal
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How Firm a Foundation

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 has said,
To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

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.

When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
And sanctify to you your deepest distress.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;
The flame shall not hurt you; I only design
Your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has 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.

Text: “K” in A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, ed. John Rippon, 1787
Tune: PROTECTION, Joseph Funk, from A Compilation of Genuine Church Music, 1832