He Will Hold Me Fast
By Ada R. Habershon (1906)
Lyrics
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He can hold me fast!
He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so,
He will hold me fast.
He must hold me fast;
For my love is often cold,
He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast;
Those He saves are His delight,
He will hold me fast.
Christ will hold me fast;
Bought by Him at such a cost,
He will hold me fast.
Bible Reference
John 10:28-29
Lectionary & readings
Open today’s (or any date’s) assigned scriptures and find related hymns across church calendars. Useful when planning worship around this song’s themes or its Bible reference.
Hymn scripture: John 10:28-29
About This Hymn
“He Will Hold Me Fast” by Ada R. Habershon is a hymn of deep assurance, expressing the unshakable security of the believer in the hands of the Lord. The lyrics convey a profound confidence that God’s love is steadfast and His protection unfailing, no matter the trials or temptations that may come. This hymn resonates with Christians who seek comfort in the promise of divine preservation, emphasizing that salvation is secure because it rests not on human effort but on God’s faithful power.
The hymn’s verses beautifully illustrate the believer’s dependence on Christ, portraying Him as both Shepherd and Keeper. Habershon’s writing assures the singer that even when the believer is weak or fearful, God’s grip will never falter. The repeated refrain reinforces the theme of security and divine perseverance, providing a musical and spiritual anchor that encourages trust and devotion.
Musically, the hymn is often rendered with a steady, flowing melody that mirrors the steadfastness of God’s promise. Congregational singing emphasizes unity in faith, with the chorus serving as a strong declaration of trust in God’s sustaining hand. The hymn is particularly moving when sung in times of personal struggle, as it offers both reassurance and hope, reminding believers that they are never abandoned.
Theologically, “He Will Hold Me Fast” centers on the doctrines of God’s omnipotence, grace, and eternal security. It draws from the imagery of Christ’s shepherding care and the promise that His followers are eternally kept. Habershon’s words reflect a profound understanding of God’s covenant faithfulness, portraying salvation as an unbreakable bond guaranteed by Christ Himself.
The hymn’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful message: that no matter life’s storms, God’s care is unending. It inspires believers to rely wholly on Him, to cast aside fear, and to rest in the assurance of His power. Suitable for personal meditation, corporate worship, or times of crisis, “He Will Hold Me Fast” continues to provide spiritual encouragement across generations, reminding all who sing it that the Savior’s hold is both tender and unyielding.
Overall, Ada R. Habershon’s hymn stands as a timeless testament to God’s sustaining love, calling believers to place their confidence fully in the One who holds them fast forever.
Staff Visualizer
Open in MIDI StudioPowered by HTML MIDI PLAYER, MIDI FILE Made by Hymnal Library. · Study chords & lyrics in MIDI Studio
Want weekly hymns and devotionals?
⭐ Recommend This Hymn
Share this beautiful hymn with others
This hymn also appears in these hymnals
Click a spine to pull out the hymnal, then open it.
Hymns with the same subject
More hymns about Jesus Christ
- Because He Lives - Bill & Gloria Gaither
- How Great Thou Art - Carl Boberg
- What A Day That Will Be - Jim Hill
- Christ Returneth (It May Be at Morn) - H. L. Turner
- How Deep the Father's Love for Us - Stuart Townend
- Blessed Assurance - Fanny Crosby
- In the Garden - C. Austin Miles
- Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled my Soul - John W. Peterson
More hymn subjects
Explore other themes across the library.
Recently Added Hymns
Latest Updated Hymnals
-
Open
Book of Common Praise (BoCP1915)Updated 5 hours ago · 1915 -
Open
The New Apostolic Church HymnalUpdated 5 days, 19 hours ago · 2008 -
Open
400+ Christmas Carols Book: Sheet Music for PianoUpdated 6 days, 21 hours ago · 2014 -
Open
The Temple HymnalUpdated 1 week ago · 1918 -
Open
The Popular HymnalUpdated 1 week ago · 1918
Hymn Information
Click a linked name to open their biography.
MIDI File
Popular Hymns
Recent Blog Posts
Popular Blog Posts
-
Lessons from the Book of Haggai: Putting God…5 months ago -
Easter vs Passover: How a Biblical Feast Bec…6 months, 4 weeks ago -
The Full Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ:…10 months, 3 weeks ago -
The 30 Most Famous Christmas Hymns and Carols1 year, 2 months ago -
The Story Behind the Hymn “Amazing Grace”10 months, 2 weeks ago
Visit Us on Social Media
Latest from X (Twitter)
Tweets by HymnalLibraryLatest from Facebook
Latest on YouTube
Daily Bible Verse
Disclaimer
The hymns, sheet music, MIDI files, and related content on this website are provided for educational and research purposes only.
- Public Domain: Many of the hymns featured here are in the public domain and may be freely used.
- Copyrighted Works: Some hymns may still be under copyright protection. Where applicable, permission has either been requested from the copyright owner, or the content is shared under the principles of fair use for educational purposes.
⚠️ Important Notice: If you wish to reproduce, distribute, or use any copyrighted hymn beyond personal study or educational use, you must obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. This website does not grant any rights for commercial use yet.
If there is any other question please address it to us in our Contact Page, for further assistance. Thank you for using the site. May God Bless You.
Recently Added · Dictionary of Hymnology
Browse dictionary →Leave your question in the forum for others to answer — requests, missing lines, writers, and worship ideas welcome.
Ada R. Habershon