Saturday Poetry Corner: I Know My Faith Is Founded

 

"For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom
I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have
entrusted to Him for that day."
(2 Timothy 1:12)

  Hydrangea Bush In Bloom
Image courtesy/ dreaming 2004//Getty Image

I know my faith is founded

On Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;

And this my faith confessing,

Unmoved I stand upon His Word.

Man's reason cannot fathom

The truth of God profound;

Who trusts her subtle wisdom

Relies on shifting ground.

God's Word is all sufficient,

It makes divinely sure,

And trusting in its wisdom,

My faith shall rest secure.

Increase my faith, dear Savior,

For Satan seeks by night and day

To rob me of this treasure

And take my hope of bliss away.

But Lord, with Thee beside me,

I shall be undismayed;

And led by Thy good Spirit,

I shall be unafraid.

Abide with me, O Savior,

A firmer faith bestow;

Then I shall bid defiance

To every evil foe.

In faith, Lord, let me serve Thee;

Though persecution, grief, and pain

Should seek to overwhelm me,

Let me a steadfast trust retain;

And then at my departure

Take Thou me home to Thee

And let me there inherit

All Thou hast promised me.

In life and death, Lord keep me

Until Thy Heav'n I gain,

Where I by Thy great mercy

The end of faith attain.

"I Know My Faith Is Founded"
(1718)
Erdmann Neumeister
(1671-1756)
German Lutheran pastor and hymnologist.