Have Faith In God, My Heart

“Have Faith in God, My Heart” is a modern hymn written by Bryn Rees in 1973. Rees, a Welsh minister and hymn writer of the twentieth century, composed many texts that reflect deep trust in God’s promises and pastoral encouragement for Christian living. This hymn, built upon the words of Jesus in Mark 11:22, is a prayerful exhortation addressed to the heart and mind of the believer, calling for steadfast faith even in times of doubt or trouble.

The structure of the hymn is simple and direct. Each stanza begins with a self-address, such as “Have faith in God, my heart” or “Have faith in God, my mind,” echoing the psalmist’s practice of speaking to his own soul (as in Psalm 42:5). This reflective style makes the hymn not only corporate in worship but also deeply personal, as the singer is encouraged to direct their own thoughts toward trust in God. The hymn acknowledges the reality of fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions, yet it anchors the believer in the assurance that God’s will is wise and His purposes sure.

The theme of the hymn resonates with the heart of Christian discipleship. It reminds believers that faith is not blind optimism but a confident resting in the character of God who is both sovereign and loving. Its modern language and accessible form have made it a well-loved choice in both traditional and contemporary worship. Through this hymn, Bryn Rees left the church a reminder that faith must extend beyond the emotions of the moment and be firmly rooted in the eternal constancy of God.