how firm a foundation

How firm a foundation,

you saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith

in his excellent word;

what more can he say

than to you he has said,

you who unto Jesus

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.




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 your days may demand

shall your strength ever be.




When through the deep waters

I call you to go,

the rivers of grief

shall not you overflow;

for I will be with you

in trouble to bless,

and sanctify to you

your deepest distress.




When through fiery trials

your pathway shall lie,

my grace all-sufficient

shall be your supply;

the flame shall not hurt you,

my only design

your dross to consume

and your gold to refine.




The soul that on Jesus

has leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot,

desert to its foes;

that soul, though all hell

should endeavour to shake,

I never will leave,

I will never forsake