Jesus, Firm Foundation

Steven Curtis Chapman's “Jesus, Firm Foundation” sets the old hymn “How Firm a Foundation” alongside a new refrain. The hymn text asks what more God can say than he has already said to those who have fled to Jesus for refuge, and tells them not to fear because he is with them.

The later hymn verses promise that God is the sustainer and strength of his people, a defender who makes them stand, held up by his merciful, almighty hand. A second set of lines says the soul that trusts in Jesus as Lord will press on through the darkest storms, and that even if hell tries to shake that soul, he will never, no never, forsake it. Chapman adds his own chorus of short lines: how firm our foundation, how sure our salvation, we will not be shaken, Jesus, firm foundation. A closing section says that from age to age he stands, faithful to the end, and that all may fade away but he will remain. The new refrain keeps the hymn's confidence and gives it a modern shape, so a church can sing the old words without making the evening feel like a museum. It suits a funeral or a time of crisis, and it would help any congregation that wants to join generations in a single song.

God's presence that dispels fear is Isaiah 41:10. His promise never to leave is Hebrews 13:5, and Christ as the only foundation is 1 Corinthians 3:11.