How Firm a Foundation

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How Firm a Foundation
"How Firm a Foundation" is a Christian hymn published in 1787 by John Rippon. The obvious theme of this hymn is the firm foundation that God provides to us in a turbulent world. Rippon rejoices in the fact that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we can rely upon the solid foundation of the Lord to keep us calm and encouraged. Discover the lyrics and story of this inspiring hymn along with music videos below!

1 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,
who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?


2 "In every condition, in sickness, in health,
in poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,
at home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
as days may demand, shall thy strength ever be."


3 "Fear not, I am with thee; O 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 righteous, omnipotent hand."


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


5 "When through 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."


6 "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned 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!"

Source: Hymns to the Living God #241

Songwriters John Rippon Published by Public Domain

The Story Behind How Firm a Foundation

This was the beloved hymn of General Robert E. Lee and has been performed at the funerals of several US politicians. On Christmas Eve 1898, American soldiers engaged in the Spanish–American War joined together to sing the hymn. The members were from the North and the South.

The hymn, along with "Jesus Loves Me," were used as the thematic element for Virgil Thomson's Symphony on a Hymn Tune, which was later incorporated into his score for the 1938 documentary film The River. Segments of The River's music were reused in the 1983 television flick The Day After.

 

 


Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace

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