Seize the Moment – Day 739
Today’s hymn focus will be
A Mighty Fortress
Psalm 46:1(ESV)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
This hymn, based off Psalm 46, was written by German Reformation Leader Martin Luther. He was known for the 95 theses that he wrote and nailed to the door of the church at Wittenberg on Oct. 31, 1517, but also for writing over 37 hymns that stood alongside those theological writings. Hymnal editor Carlton R. Young said he not only composed and wrote original hymns and melodies, but he encouraged the composition of new texts and rhythmic hymn melodies.
The hymn we know today was translated in 1853 by Frederick Henry Hedge and has stood the test of time very well.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing
Our helper He amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate
On earth is not his equal.
YOUTUBE:
A Mighty Fortress
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!