“How Firm a Foundation,” ELW 796 and LBW 507
1 How firm a foundation, O saint of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in Christ Jesus, the 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, 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.”
3 “When through fi’ry 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.”
4 “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.”
Devotion
The opening line of this early American hymn wonderfully echoes this week’s theme of “foundations.” It rehearses God’s covenant promise of mercy and blessing heard at the beginning of the week, “Fear not I am with you ... for I am your God and will still give you aid.” That promise is picked up in the call to discipleship and faith in Jesus Christ who, as the Word of God, is the preeminent foundation. Like those with deep roots planted by streams of water, these saints hear the sure and certain promise that God’s grace will be sufficient foundation for weathering any storms that life offers. The hymn concludes with a grand vision of the end of the journey, where the sainted lambs are tenderly wrapped in the good shepherd’s arms, proof of God’s unfailing love.
Prayer
God of mercy, you have laid a foundation for us in your word of promise, our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Help us to hold fast to that promise as the sure and certain sign of your unchangeable love for us. Amen.