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God Is the Refuge of His Saints
By Isaac Watts
Lyrics
1. God is the refuge of his saints,
When storms of sharp distress invade
Ere we can offer our complaints,
Behold him present with his aid.
When storms of sharp distress invade
Ere we can offer our complaints,
Behold him present with his aid.
2. Let mountains from their seats be hurled
Down to the deep, and buried there,
Convulsions shake the solid world,
Our faith shall never yield to fear.
Down to the deep, and buried there,
Convulsions shake the solid world,
Our faith shall never yield to fear.
3. Loud may the troubled ocean roar,
In sacred peace our souls abide,
While every nation, every shore,
Trembles, and dreads the swelling tide.
In sacred peace our souls abide,
While every nation, every shore,
Trembles, and dreads the swelling tide.
4. There is a stream, whose gentle flow
Supplies the city of our God;
Life, love, and joy still gliding through,
And wat'ring our divine abode.
Supplies the city of our God;
Life, love, and joy still gliding through,
And wat'ring our divine abode.
5. That sacred stream, thine holy word,
That all our raging fear controls:
Sweet peace thy promises afford,
And give new strength to fainting souls.
That all our raging fear controls:
Sweet peace thy promises afford,
And give new strength to fainting souls.
6. Zion enjoys her Monarch's love,
Secure against a threat'ning hour;
Nor can her firm foundations move,
Built on his truth, and armed with power.
Secure against a threat'ning hour;
Nor can her firm foundations move,
Built on his truth, and armed with power.
Bible Reference
Psalm 37:39
About This Hymn
“God Is the Refuge of His Saints” was penned by Isaac Watts in 1719 as a hymn of comfort and assurance for believers facing trials and adversity. Watts, often called the “Father of English Hymnody,” sought to translate the truths of Scripture into devotional songs that could be sung in both private and corporate worship. This hymn focuses on God as a protective refuge, a safe haven for those who trust in Him amid the uncertainties and dangers of life.
The hymn draws directly from Psalm 37:39, which declares, “But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Watts’ text captures this promise, portraying the Lord as a stronghold for His people and a source of unwavering security. The hymn emphasizes the believer’s confidence in God’s power, faithfulness, and readiness to deliver, encouraging reliance on divine protection rather than human strength.
Structured with both reverence and simplicity, the hymn guides worshippers to reflect on God’s care, cultivating trust and spiritual courage. Its words remind believers that no matter the trials they face, God remains steadfast, sheltering them and granting peace. The enduring message of “God Is the Refuge of His Saints” continues to inspire faith, offering reassurance that God’s presence provides safety, comfort, and eternal hope for all who seek Him.
From the Dictionary of Hymnology
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More hymns about Refuge
- It Is Well with My Soul — Horatio Gates Spafford
- His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Civilla D. Martin
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand — Thomas Andrew Dorsey
- Leave It There — Charles Albert Tindley
- A Shelter In The Time Of Storm — Vernon J. Charlesworth
- What a Friend We Have in Jesus — Joseph Medlicott Scriven
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — Martin Luther
- 'Til the Storm Passes By — Mosie Lister
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