The year is 1529 and a song is written as an aide to restore worship to the German Church. It's the days of the Protestant Reformation and the song writer is Martin Luther. We know Martin Luther as a great reformer, Bible translator, political leader, fiery preacher and theologian. Did you know that he was also a musician?
I came across A Mighty Fortress is Our God in Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgen. It is based on Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This verse really struck a chord me today. With the uncertainty of Kristen's recent lab work, I should be a little on edge right? I feel completely the opposite. I feel a peace. A calm that I believe is a result of my complete faith that God is in control. So what use is worry and stress if God is a 'bulwark never failing'? I read that in difficulty and danger Martin Luther would often resort to this song. In fact he would say to his associate, "Come, Phillipp, let us sing the 46th Psalm." There are over 80 translations of this hymn. Martin Luther's original German was so vivid that it was difficult to translate. Below is one of the more popular American translations by Frederic Henry Hodge. I remember the tune mainly because it was made popular by the children's television series, Davey and Goliath, which was produced for the Lutheran Church in America. I looked forward to watching that on Sundays before we headed to church. Way before Veggie Tales! Oh, and interesting fact from Wikipedia, it was sung at the funeral of Dwight David Eisenhower.
1. A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
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.
2. Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost 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.
3. And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath 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.
4. That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru 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.
