Insight from our Singing - part 15

One of the things that I think is important is the understanding that the style of the songs that we listen to pales in comparison to the content of what we are singing.  It is far more critical to me that we sing words that magnify the Savior and remind us of the truths of the Scriptures than worrying about what key we are in or if the song was written in the last 10 years.  One of the hymns that I remember singing when I was growing up has gained a new appreciation for me in latter years.

If I am being honest, most of the songs I remember from childhood were the ones that I liked, not the ones with deep truth, but the ones that have stuck with me and continue to minister to me this very day are the ones that have deep, deep truth behind them.  Such is the case with "How Firm a Foundation."

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 has said
To you who for refuge to Jesus has fled.

I used to think of this like a marching song, one that we might sing if we understood we were going to war.  And this first verse literally lays the foundation for all else - the sufficiency of the Word of God.  God literally can say no more to us that what He already has, both through the written Word and the incarnate Word. 

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, help thee, and cause thee to stand

Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand.

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.

These verses help me to understand the purpose in difficult times.  I have no need to fear, for there is no place that I can go where God is not with me.  And with him beside me I can better understand that in the trial He is simply purifying me and drawing me closer to Himself.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, no will not desert to his foes.

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake

I'll never, no never, no never forsake!

What a promise this last verse holds.  We can never be separated from the love of God shown us in Christ!  He will never forsake us.  This gives us the hope to keep going forward knowing that we have in Christ all we will ever need!