I Give Thanks for Hymns
November 19, 2009
Download 01 For the Beauty of the Earth Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord; ~Ephesians 5:19
I had the occasion last week to reorganize my office area. It isn't the remodel I was dreaming of, but it is much better than it was. As I was clearing out and cleaning up I wanted some music to charge me up. Rather than rock or pop, I threw in Greatest Hymns and Greatest Gospel Favorites. I amazed myself at how energized they made me feel -- physically and spiritually. I'm one of those people who can hear a song a couple of times and memorize it. (My daughter seems to have inherited this gift also). So for me, these hymns and praise songs hid the Gospel message in my heart long before I believed. The Christmas hymns do the same in unbelievers today, so keep on singing them!
It is such a joy for me to sing unto the Lord. I am so grateful for music, musicians and composers. And the stories behind some of our favorite hymns are so compelling. Bri has been learning about Fanny Crosby in Sunday School. Although she was blind on earth, she now regards the face of our Lord Jesus every day in heaven. And through her faith and gifts we can enjoy the blessing of her hymns: Blessed Assurance, To God be the Glory, Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior, and so many more.
Hymns can be a source of comfort in hard times, a word from the Lord when you need one, a reminder of God's goodness and promises in times of temptation, and a prayer of praise when your heart is overflowing. "Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee" (Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah). Music is just one more way for us to express ourselves and our feelings, and I thank and praise God for that blessing and creative gift!
Lord, let us never tire of singing your praises, and spreading Your Word and the Good News of salvation through spiritual songs and hymns! We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.