How Firm a Foundation

An original verse in "How Firm a Foundation," goes like this...

"In ev’ry condition, in sickness, in health, in poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth, at home or abroad, on the land, on the sea, as thy days may demand shall thy strength ever be."

Originally published in London, England in 1787, the hymn first appeared in America in 1832, and became much loved and adored. It is good to know that in today's world, no matter the circumstance, no matter where we find ourselves, we can rely on God to provide us with a firm foundation to keep us calm and encouraged. God's love for us is rich and pure, measureless, strong and enduring. The hymn assures believers that God's strength will always be sufficient, regardless of their circumstances.

During the Civil War, both sides could be heard singing it, a testament to how God bridges the gap between all men with a calming realization that the foundation of God is our refuge. Andrew Jackson requested it be sung at his deathbed, and Robert E. Lee and Theodore Roosevelt both requested it be sung at their funerals.

In 1898, during the Spanish-American war, tensions between the North and the South were still high. A divided American army. needed to put aside differences to face a new conflict, but that was easier said than done, and then on Christmas eve of 1898 a sentinel’s call rang out, “twelve o’clock, and all’s well!” It was Christmas morning. With thoughts of home on his mind, suddenly there arose the sound of an old, familiar hymn, ringing out along those moonlit fields: ‘How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord!’ One voice, then another and soon another, and another, and in a moment a whole American army corps was singing:

"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."

With lyrics like "In ev'ry condition, in sickness, in health, in poverty's vale or abounding in wealth, at home or abroad, on the land, on the sea" believers are assured that God's strength will always be sufficient, regardless of their circumstances. The promise of God's strength applies to all situations, both good and bad. What an amazing comfort.

For 223 years, our church has been a source of strength and comfort for its members; a place for fellowship, spiritual nourishment and support; providing a sense of belonging, connection and opportunities for spiritual growth, prayer and learning about faith; offering comfort and direction during difficult times. We praise God for that.

Weights

One day, my then-eight year old niece, Cassie, came to my house with my mom. The kids and I were gone. When she got out of her car, mom noticed J.D.'s ankle weights lying on the ground over by the basketball goal. That boy was constantly leaving something outside. One day he was outside kicking a football when he managed to get not one but TWO balls stuck high up in the tree out near the mailbox. Those were the only footballs he had. He tried for several days to get them down by throwing rocks and other objects at them. Elijah and I even joined in the rescue operation, but none of us had any success. It appeared that J.D.'s footballs were destined to stay up in that tree forever.

And then one day, as J.D. would probably describe it, something miraculous happened....a power outage. It was miraculous because the power outage brought Richie Richardson of South Kentucky RECC to our home. J.D. looked out the door and saw Richie standing beside his ladder truck, which just happened to be parked next to the tree that coincidently held J.D.'s footballs. In a flash, J.D. was out the door. A minute later, I looked outside just in time to see Richie using this long-arm apparatus to remove the footballs from the tree. Then, I saw him turn toward J.D. and point up to the sky in the opposite direction of the tree. I couldn't help but laugh. Later, J.D. said Richie told him to kick the football 'THAT WAY' from now on! I can still see Richie smiling as he drove off down the road waving goodbye to a very happy J.D. Speck.

Mom retrieved J.D.'s ankle weights from the yard and carried them into the house. Cassie saw her lay them down and went over to investigate. She wanted to know what they were. Mom explained how that J.D. uses the ankle weights to strengthen his leg muscles so that he will jump higher when he is playing basketball. A puzzled Cassie replied, "Isn't that illegal?"

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Have you ever been at that spot in the road where you find yourself in a lull because of something that's weighing you down? And, no matter how hard you try, you're just stuck...like J.D.'s footballs? Even though it may be a hard battle, don't give up. God loves you! J.D. could not get those footballs to move until he asked Richie to help him. God is like that. No matter how far out of reach a solution seems, no matter how difficult the situation is, no matter the size of the weight you are carrying around, just trust in the Lord. He will make a way for you. His strength is perfect.

I need thee, oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh, bless me now, my Savior
I come to thee