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Have No Fear, Little Flock

Have no fear, little flock

Have No Fear, Little Flock is a hymn text by Frederic Louis Godet (1871) in 10.10.10.10 meter. Translated by Margaret Apel. Found in CW93 442, elw 764, lbw 476, lsb 735. Sung to LITTLE FLOCK.

The hymn captures the Lutheran emphasis on God's gracious care and the assurance of salvation grounded in the Father's good pleasure to give believers the kingdom. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of Christian confidence rooted not in human works but in divine mercy and the promise of God.

History & Background

Written by Swiss Reformed theologian and biblical scholar Frederic Louis Godet in 1871, this French hymn was translated into English by Margaret Apel in 1976 for use in Lutheran hymnody. It has become a beloved contemporary hymn expressing Jesus's promise to his disciples not to fear, as the Father delights to give them the kingdom.

Scripture References Heinz W. Zimmermann chose the words ofJesus st. 1 = Luke 12:32 from Luke 12:32 as his basis for writing stanza 1 in 1971. st. 1-4 = Matt. 17:1-8 Marjorie A. Jillson wrote stanzas 2-4 in 1972. The Mark 9:2-8 complete hymn, published by Concordia in Five Hymns (1973), features unison and SATB stanzas, which choir directors and organists will want to consult as alternate settings. The text has the character of a benediction: the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom (st. 1); the Father will keep you in his love forever (st. 2); the Lord stoops down to heal, uplift, and restore you (st. 3); God stays close beside you to work with you (st. 4). Stanza 3 has special significance for Jillson who says, C£What I learned from my own illness is that God will restore you, even if your body has to die first. ”

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship — 442
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 764
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 476
  • Lutheran Service Book — 735
  • Lutheran Worship — 410
  • Psalter Hymnal — 366
  • United Methodist Hymnal — 696

Translation

Margaret Apel

Liturgical Use

Use as a sung benediction; in conjunction with “Sermon on the Mount” preaching; for services with a theme of encouragement.

Bulletin Note

Written by Frederic Louis Godet in 1871, this hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that salvation rests on divine mercy alone, not human merit—a comfort for the anxious conscience and the weary soul.

Preaching Connection

This hymn amplifies the Gospel's answer to human anxiety by grounding Christian assurance in the Father's sovereign grace and pleasure, moving hearers from fear of judgment to joy in promised inheritance.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the Law's exposure of human fear and anxiety to the Gospel's triple comfort: God's elective grace (kingdom given), God's preserving care (eternal keeping), and God's eschatological restoration (return in glory)

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 15 (2×)
  • Easter 3 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Easter 4 (2×)
  • Proper 14 (2×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

God's providence Christian assurance Trust in God The kingdom of God Discipleship

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