How Firm a Foundation, LSB 728

1. 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?

2. "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.

3. "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!

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

5. "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."

"How Firm a Foundation" (LSB 728) is my first [Hymn of the Week] choice because it's been in my head and on my heart a ton recently. This is a hymn that falls in the TRUST section of the Lutheran Service Book and is the hymn I've chosen to memorize for one of my deaconess classes at seminary.

Stanza 1 reminds those who sing it where a foundation for their faith is found - God's Word.

Stanza 2 is a paraphrase - or almost a literal translation of the following scripture verse: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Stanza 3 comforts those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus. This stanza reminds us that Jesus will never leave or forsake us.

Stanza 4 speaks of hard times those in faith may endure, but God doesn't leave us hanging. His grace is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12: 9).

Stanza 5 ends the hymn up with a reminder of how God's love will surpass all time and when life's end comes our way the Lord will protect and care for us just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

How comforting are the words and meaning of this beautiful hymn!