Hymns

I love hymns. Mostly because I detest the modern, cheesy, self-focused "worship" songs that so often get sung in church today. Isn't the whole point to actually worship GOD and His work rather than our own feelings? I'm particularly partial to hymns that are full of theology and force me to think about what I'm actually singing. Thankfully, my church is pretty good and we usually sing a good mix of old and new.

I wanted to share my favorite hymn because it has comforted me on many occasions, yet never gets sung in church. So, for those of you who may need encouragement, I share this:

How Firm a Foundation - John F. Wade 1751

"How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

'Fear not I am with thee; O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee and help thee and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow will not overflow,
For I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply:
the flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I will not, no never, no never forsake!'"

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 31:8