Often in hymns and praise songs, expressions are used figuratively, like "storms of life."  The hymn, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," was written for mariners on the sea, who experienced the literal storm.  Both types of storms cause distress.  Verse one says:

Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave.

Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep, it's own appointed limits keep;

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea.

It was usual for nineteenth century hymnbooks to have a collection of hymns and prayers for God's protection of travelers, especially for sailors.  The writer of "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," William Whiting (1825-1878), was on the staff of a training school for sixteen boys in London.  One of his boys was about to sail to America.  Along with praying for him, he wrote this hymn.

The hymn grew in popularity.  It was adopted by the sailors of the British Empire and by the French Navy.  In America, it is called the "Navy Hymn" because of its association with the Naval Academy in Annapolis.  In recent years, other verses have been added, such as "Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky."  And, "Eternal Father, Lord of hosts/watch over the men who guard our coasts."

One will find some variation in words.  The song addresses the Trinity.  The words for verses 2-4 are:

O Christ, whose voice the waters heard, and hushed their raging at Thy Word,

Who walkest on the foaming deep, and calm amidst its rage didst sleep.

O hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit!  Who dids't brood upon the chaos dark and rude,

And bid its angry tumult cease, and give, the wild confusion, peace;

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power!  Our fam'ly shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect us wheresoev'r we go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee glad hymns of praise from land and sea.