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,
oh, 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 fiery trials
your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient,
shall be your supply.
The flames shall not hurt you;
I only design
your dross to consume 
and your gold to refine. 

Throughout all their lifetime
my people shall prove
my sov’reign, eternal,
unchangeable love;
and then, when gray hairs
shall their temples adorn,
like lambs they shall still
in my bosom be borne.

                     J. Rippen

Questions for thought and meditation 

·         I think of two references when I see the phrase “excellent Word” in this hymn. To whom or what does the hymnwriter refer?

 ·         What Bible verses come to mind as you read or sing this hymn? Do these teachings have any value for you today in a specific way?

 ·         Can you think of a situation in which you felt as if you were going through a fiery trial? Do you recall a Bible story that included a fiery trial?

 ·         Have you had an experience that felt like proof of God’s love? Have you shared this experience with someone who doesn’t believe God loves him?

 ·         We often say that Christians should memorize Bible verses in order to be able to recall them when they are in a crisis. Have you considered that hymns might have the same value? Do you know this hymn by heart?