Wednesday, October 21, 2020
HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION!
Luke 6:48
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
Ps 11:3-4
3 [But] If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? [Here is their steadfast hope]
4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord 's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
How Firm a Foundation is a Christian hymn, published in 1787 by John Rippon in A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, intended to be an Appendix to Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns, known as "Rippon's Selection". It is attributed only to "K", which probably refers to Robert Keen(e), precentor (choir and music leader) at Rippon's church, though other names suggested including Richard or John Keene, Kirkham, or John Keith. It is most often sung to the tune "Protection" (or "Foundation") by Joseph Funk from A Compilation of Genuine Church Music (1832), though the original tune may be Keen(e)'s "Geard". This was the favorite hymn of General Robert E. Lee and has been played at the funerals of several US politicians. (Information from Wikipedia.)
The hymn is born just eleven years after the Declaration of Independence. The ashes of the Revolutionary War still hung in the air and the foundation of the nation was being laid. Now our nation is once again burning but not to establish peace. It is burning with the violence of anarchy. Prov 14:1 says: “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” We are seeing that in our nation now. It is time to reestablish that firm foundation.
Your peace is not due to the lack of storms in your life but the firmness of your foundation. Let the winds blow and the storms rage! In the words of the hymn: “That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never, no never, no never forsake.” Of the seven verses of this hymn, the following provides me with great encouragement.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not
dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen 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 woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
Dear Lord, be very near to your children who are going through fiery trials and deep waters today. AMEN
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