Author—Horatio G. Spafford, 1828–1888 Music—Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876 Meter—11 8 11 9 with Chorus God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 This beloved gospel song was written by a Chicago Presbyterian layman, Horatio G. Spafford, born in North Troy, New York, on October 20, 1828. As a young man Spafford had established a most successful legal practice in Chicago. Despite his financial success, he always maintained a keen interest in Christian