"How Firm a Foundation"

How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He has said
Who unto the Savior for refuge 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.

"The soul that on Jesus has 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!

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

"Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne."

Text: A Selection of Hymns, London, 1787
Tune: Genuine Church Music, Winchester, 1852

This is a beautiful hymn, and it has been a great encouragement to me. I remember a few years ago I was going through a challenging time, and I listened to this a lot on my mini iPod. The words brought me peace. My favorite verse is verse 3. I like the repetition of the "nots," and "nevers," reminding us God will never desert or forsake us. Words to cling to!