He Makes a Way

 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters . . . Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

— Isaiah 43:16, 19

Like many great hymns of the church, “How Firm a Foundation” teaches some of the basic principles of our faith. The original seven verses focused on great promises from God, including that His Word is sufficient for us. In fact, the song was originally published in 1787 with the title “Exceedingly Great and Precious Promises.”

The third verse of the hymn includes these words:

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

This directly reflects Isaiah 43, in which the prophet reminded God’s children that He would not abandon them. No matter what they faced, whether ruthless enemies or exile in a foreign land, God was with them.

God is with us as well. He will be with us through “deep waters.” Just as He parted the Red Sea for the Hebrews escaping from Egypt, He will make a path through whatever we face.

God never leaves us. Never.

Today’s One Thing

Write down the words of one of your favorite hymns, along with the biblical promise it makes. Tuck it into a pocket or purse to carry with you today.

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