Sonja Schwartz on the security we have in Christ
Why did you choose this hymn?
How Firm a Foundation is a longtime favorite hymn of mine. I constantly sing it to the young children I care for in Trinity, and it is one of those hymns that the kids know and can sing along with me. The lyrics always point me to the cross, and I enjoy singing them to young believers and explaining the meaning of the hymn.
Favorite line or stanza?
The fourth verse reminds me of 2 Corinthians 12:9 and resonates with me the most. It is a good reminder that no matter the trial we face, the Lord uses all things for His glory and purpose, and that His glory is greatest in our weakness. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is made sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” Verse Four states that God’s grace is perfectly sufficient to uphold us through fiery trials while refining and sanctifying us through them: “I only design your dross to consume and your gold to refine.”
What does this hymn teach about the Gospel?
This hymn shows, verse by verse, the progression of the Christian life. Verse one portrays how God has provided His excellent Word. God has given us the Bible, and the first verse tells us that this is all we need for life and godliness: “What more can He say than to you
He has said?” This Word also is Christ, the fullness of very God. The second, third, and fourth verses all point to God’s sovereignty over his children through seasons of fear, oceans of grief, and fiery trials. The often-neglected fifth verse points to God’s steadfast love, eternal and unchangeable, especially for his oldest children with “hoary” (white) hairs. The triumphant final verse hints at the perseverance of the saints and encourages believers still today: “That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake, I will never, no, never, no, never forsake!” Nothing can snatch us from His hand, for He is our firm foundation.
How has this hymn encouraged, convicted, or comforted you?
I find great comfort knowing that God will cause me to stand when my own strength fails me. No matter the earthly trials we face or the spiritual wars being waged, the Lord upholds us with his righteous omnipotent hand. We flee to Jesus for relief, for He alone can grant us true refuge and repose.
Any final thoughts?
Another reason I chose How Firm a Foundation was that the tune, as well as the lyrics, is enjoyable to sing. The marching tune constantly gets stuck in my head, hence I sing it regularly. This hymn will always be a 5/5 in my book, and when singing and hearing it recited back to me by fellow saints I am reminded of my firm foundation.
