If God My Lord Be for Me
If God my Lord be for me, I fear not death's dark shadow
A hymn of triumphant trust based on Romans 8:31-39. If God is for us, who can be against us? The stanzas enumerate the threats that cannot separate the believer from God's love — death, the devil, suffering, sin — and conclude with confident assurance.
History & Background
Written by Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) in 1653 as Ist Gott für mich, so trete. Translated by Richard Massie (1800-1887). Based on Romans 8:31-39. One of Gerhardt's most personally confident hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 788
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 454
Bulletin Note
If God My Lord Be for Me — Paul Gerhardt, 1653
Preaching Connection
Romans 8:31-39 — nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Themes
Trust Romans 8 Gerhardt Assurance