O for a faith that will not shrink,
though pressed by many a foe,
that will not tremble on the brink
of poverty or woe,
That will not murmur nor complain
beneath the chastening rod,
but, in the hour of grief or pain,
can lean upon its God;
A faith that shines more bright and clear
when tempests rage without,
that when in danger knows no fear,
in darkness feels no doubt;
A faith that keeps the narrow way
till life’s last hour is fled,
and with a pure and heavenly ray
lights up a dying bed!
Lord, give us such a faith as this,
and then, whate’er may come,
I taste even now the hallowed bliss
Of an eternal home.
William Hiley Bathurst, 1831
Read Hebrews 10:32-38
This hymn longs for and celebrates a faith that is unshakeable, that does not waver when circumstances are challenging. It is a faith that is focused on eternity rather than the present world. It is an enduring faith because it is faith Christ alone. Like anything else, faith grows stronger when it’s exercised. May we grow in faith and in the realization of how great God is, in whom our faith rests.