Is there any life more secure
than the life of faith lived by God’s people?
They regard the heavenly Father’s divine treasure
as their own, and live their lives
trusting in His provision.

1
As strangers and foreigners in this world,
living here as temporary dwellers in tents,
they wait for the great city
whose architect and builder is God.

2
In the wilderness, God remains their unfailing protector,
leading them with the pillar of fire and cloud.
Day by day, He gives them manna,
and, satisfied by His provision,
they journey onward toward the Promised Land.

3
Even when powerful enemies are behind them
and the great waves of the Red Sea are before them,
they stretch out the staff of faith,
and the Red Sea is divided,
so they cross safely to the other side.

4
They refuse the temporary pleasures of sin;
the hardships endured by God’s people are enough for them.
They consider the reproach suffered for Christ
to be greater wealth
than all the treasures of Egypt.

5
Chains, whips, stonings,
mockery and persecution surround them.
Though troubles and sufferings increase greatly,
they continue the struggle faithfully,
without giving up.

6
Even when they struggle through the first three watches of the night,
as though they are about to sink beneath the mighty waves,
in the fourth watch,
He—their faithful Companion—
will surely come to them, walking upon the sea.

7
Even when the wicked world
imprisons them in harsh suffering and bondage,
they are not afraid.
Even at midnight,
they joyfully sing and praise God.