Our firm foundation

Recognize the name John Rippon? Most of us do not, but about 250 years ago this British pastor served at Carter’s Lane Baptist Church in London for 63 years. He was committed to helping the churches of his day worship God, and in 1787, assisted by his minister of music, Robert Keene, published, “A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors.” The hymnal proved popular and eventually appeared in 11 British editions and became known as “Rippon’s Selection.” An American edition appeared in 1820. While the hymnal is no longer published, it introduced a hymn which remains popular today.

The song first appeared under the title, “Exceedingly Great and Precious Promises,” but was eventually given the much simpler name it bears today, “How Firm a Foundation.”

The song is unique for several reasons. First, no one knows who wrote it. On the line reserved for the author’s name in his hymnal, Rippon put the letter “K.” Several potential hymn writers have been suggested, including Rippon’s minister of music, Robert Keene, but John Keene and John Keith have also been named as possible writers.

Second, while most hymns have between three and five verses, this hymn originally appeared with seven verses. Best-selling author Robert Morgan makes the point in, “Then Sings My Soul,” that each verse of the song is based on a passage of scripture, for example:

• Verse 1 begins, “How firm a Foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your Faith in His excellent Word…” based on Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT)

• Verse 2 starts, “Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed, 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.” It is based on Isaiah 41:2, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NLT)

• Verse 3 says, “When thro’ 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 idea is from 2 Corinthians 12:9, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” (NIV)

What do you base your life on? Do you rely on yourself or God, who is infinitely greater than we are? Scripture reminds us we are never alone; God wants to be our Firm Foundation through all life’s ups and downs if we let him.