Allison Durham Speer - How Firm A Foundation Lyrics

How Firm A Foundation Video

How Firm A Foundation Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

How Firm A Foundation by Allison Durham Speer

Introduction

"How Firm A Foundation" is a well-known hymn that has been sung by Christians for many years. It was written by an unknown author and first published in 1787 in a hymnbook called "A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors." The song has since been covered by various artists, including Allison Durham Speer, who released a powerful rendition of the hymn.

We will also analyze the song's lyrics and argue with biblical references to determine its biblical accuracy.

Key Messages

The song "How Firm A Foundation" delivers several key messages throughout its lyrics. Let's explore these messages chronologically from the lines:

1. "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!"

The first message of the song emphasizes the firm foundation of faith that is laid by the Word of God. It encourages believers to place their trust and faith in the Word of the Lord, which is unchanging and reliable.

2. "What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?"

This line highlights the sufficiency of God's Word. It suggests that God has already spoken everything we need to know through His Word. There is no need for additional revelations or extra promises because what God has already said is enough for us.

3. "Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid."

Here, the song reminds believers not to fear or be discouraged because God is with them. It reassures them that God is their God and will continue to provide help and support in times of need.

4. "I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand."

This message affirms God's promise to strengthen, help, and uphold believers. It reminds them that they are not alone in their struggles and challenges. God's righteous and all-powerful hand is there to support them and enable them to stand firm.

5. "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply."

This line acknowledges that believers will face trials and challenges in life. However, it assures them that God's grace is more than enough to sustain them through those difficult times. His grace is sufficient to provide for all their needs.

6. "The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."

This message conveys the promise that God will be with believers in their times of sorrow and distress. He will not let their troubles overwhelm them. Instead, He will use those trials to bless and sanctify them, ultimately bringing about their growth and transformation.

7. "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply."

This line reiterates the sufficiency of God's grace in times of trials. It assures believers that His grace will be more than enough to sustain them and give them the strength they need to endure.

8. "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes."

This message emphasizes the unwavering commitment of God to those who place their trust in Jesus. It assures believers that God will never abandon or betray them. He will remain faithful to His people and protect them from their enemies.

9. "That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

The final message of the song proclaims the unshakable faithfulness of God. It declares that even in the face of the most severe trials or attacks from the enemy, God will never abandon or forsake His people. His love and faithfulness are unwavering.

Meaning and Inspiration

The song "How Firm A Foundation" is a powerful expression of the believer's trust and confidence in God's unchanging Word and His faithfulness. It reminds us that we can find security and refuge in God when we face trials and challenges.

While the exact inspiration or story behind the song's creation is unknown, it is clear that the lyrics draw from biblical themes and passages. The song echoes the promises and assurances that God gives to His people throughout the Bible.

Biblical Analysis

To determine the biblical accuracy of the song "How Firm A Foundation," let's examine its key messages and compare them with relevant biblical references:

1. The firm foundation of faith in God's Word:
- Psalm 119:89: "Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens."
- Matthew 24:35: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

2. Sufficiency of God's Word:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

3. God's presence and help in times of trouble:
- Isaiah 41:10: "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."
- Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

4. God's grace as sufficient in trials:
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

5. God's faithfulness and promise to never forsake:
- Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
- Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

Based on these biblical references, it is evident that the main messages of the song align with biblical truths. The song emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's Word, His presence and help in times of trouble, the sufficiency of His grace, and His unwavering faithfulness. Therefore, it can be considered biblically accurate.

Conclusion

"How Firm A Foundation" is a timeless hymn that encourages believers to place their trust and faith in the unchanging Word of God. It emphasizes God's presence, help, and faithfulness in times of trouble, and the sufficiency of His grace. The song's messages align with biblical truths and provide comfort and assurance to those who sing it. As Christians, we can take solace in the firm foundation of our faith and find strength in God's promises, knowing that He will never forsake us.