Skip to content
hymnal.net
hymnal.net
My Songs

About Numbered Notation

Numbered Notation (also called Jianpu, 简谱) writes each melody note as a number from 1 to 7 instead of a note on a staff. The number shows the note's position in the song's scale -- not its exact pitch -- so the same tune looks identical no matter what key it's sung in.

Within one octave, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 correspond to the familiar do re mi fa sol la ti. A dot above a number raises it an octave higher; a dot below lowers it an octave lower -- no dot means the middle, as-written octave.

A plain number lasts one beat. A dash (-) right after a number holds that same note for one more beat. A line underneath a number shortens it instead -- one line is half a beat, two lines a quarter of a beat. A 0 is a rest: silence for one beat.

The label at the top of the sheet, like "1=C" or "1=Ab", shows which pitch scale degree 1 ("do") is tuned to. A song in a minor key is labeled "6=X" instead -- scale degree 6 ("la") is the true tonic. Chord names printed above the notes (like "C" or "G7") always use their familiar letter names, never numbers.

For example, under a "1=C" heading, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sound as C D E F G A B. Under a "1=G" heading, those very same numbers sound as G A B C D E F# instead -- same shape, different key.

Though troubles assail

Comfort in Trials By the Lord’s Providing

English704
1
Though troubles assail,
And dangers affright;
Though friends should all fail,
And foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us,
Whatever betide:
The Scripture assures us,
“The Lord will provide.”
2
The birds, without barn
Or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn
To trust for our bread;
His saints what is fitting
Shall ne’er be denied,
So long as ’tis written,
“The Lord will provide.”
3
His call we obey,
Like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way,
But faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers,
We have a good Guide;
And trust in all dangers:
“The Lord will provide.”
4
When Satan appears
To stop up our path,
And fills us with fears,
We triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us,
Though oft he has tried,
The heart-cheering promise,
“The Lord will provide.”
5
He tells us we’re weak,
Our hope is in vain;
The good that we seek
We ne’er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions
Our faith thus have tried,
This answers all questions,
“The Lord will provide.”
6
No strength of our own,
Nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown
On Jesus’ dear name.
In this our strong tower
For safety we hide;
The Lord is our power,
“The Lord will provide.”
7
When life sinks apace,
And death is in view,
The word of His grace
Shall comfort us through;
Not fearing or doubting,
With Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting,
“The Lord will provide.”

Delete Comment

Delete this comment? This cannot be undone.
Elder Precious Oko Okebe

Alakuko, Lagos, Nigeria

Jan 20, 2026

Thank you for this wonderful hymn. The verse 3 ministers greatly to me, in my walk of faith with Him.

His call we obey,

Like Abram of old,

Not knowing our way,

But faith makes us bold;

For though we are strangers,

We have a good Guide;

And trust in all dangers:

“The Lord will provide. ”

El Shaddai that is who He is.

Read more
Daizy Diane

Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon

Sep 19, 2023

Not knowing our way but faith makes us bold.. for though we are strangers, we have a good guide and trust in all dangers.. The Lord will provide

Read more
Joyce Ekong

Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Nov 3, 2022

This song is really uplifting. When all else fails .... but with the faith and hope of knowing that God has only good thoughts for us and he will definitely provide for all our needs.. I am encoraged to keep moving. glory be to God.

Read more
Olabode Taiwo

Ijebu Ode, Nigeria

Jun 6, 2021

Thanks so much, I love this song, because the meaning is deeper, for me the Lord will provide

Read more
Charles

Lagos, Nigeria

Oct 21, 2019

Awesome. Spirit lifting. Glorious, assuring hymn. Thank You Jehovah Jireh

Read more
Nnanna Kalu Idika

Akanu-Ohafia, Abia, Nigeria

May 17, 2019

I am invigorated by this hymn. Moreso with these lines:

When Satan appears

To stop up our path,

And fills us with fears,

We triumph by faith;

He cannot take from us,

Though oft he has tried,

The heart-cheering promise,

“The Lord will provide. ”

Read more
Uche Okonkwo

Abiriba, Abia

Jan 3, 2018

I hope to die shouting the Lord will provide.

His word never fails. If He has promised provision, protection and and has given any other assurances, go to sleep knowing it is done.

Hallelujah.

Read more