Friday, January 17, 2014

My Favorite Hymn

I love rich, wholesome words; and I love music. When the two are put together, it becomes an amazing combination that can touch hearts like nothing else can. It becomes a song.

In the past, I have been asked what my favorite song is, and I could never choose. There are so many that touch my heart deeply. But, I especially love Christian songs that bring encouragement to me in some way. In fact, earlier this year, I made a list of 20 DIFFERENT SONGS that encourage me.

I have also been asked what my favorite hymn is. Hymns are another type of prayerful song, typically sung in worship services with other Christians, that are meant to specifically express honor and praise to God. Matthew 26:30 tells us that Jesus and his disciples sang hymns together.

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (NAS)

I decided to try and pinpoint which old hymn speaks to me the most.

First, I asked my family members what their favorites are...

My husband's favorite hymn is: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
My Dad's: BLESSED ASSURANCE
My Mom's:  GENTLE SHEPHERD
My Father-in-law's:  HOW GREAT THOU ART
My Brother's:  THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
My Grandma Mac's was: BECAUSE HE LIVES

I love ALL these hymns. They are wonderful and speak volumes. But, I can't say that any of them are my absolute favorite. When I was a little girl, the first hymn I ever learned (and I believe it was also my brother's first hymn he learned) was The Old Rugged Cross, so that was my favorite for many years. But, as time went by, I realized it was only my favorite because I knew all the words to it. Of course the words are GREAT; but, it just wasn't MY hymn - the one that I could really say fit my life the most. It has taken much thought for me to figure it out, but this is what I finally came up with...

Written by:  Horatio Spafford 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

Refrain:
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

If you are interested in hearing the story behind this hymn, here is an interesting

4 comments:

  1. Love this hymn. One that has been special to us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Also -
    The Booth Brothers song.
    Look for me at Jesus Feet.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for this nice blog about hymns. I have this song ever heard in Dutch. It's called: 'Is het wel met je ziel' (is it well with your soul). It was amazing to hear in my own language. My own favorite hymn is: amazing grace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you were able to hear this hymn in your own language! Amazing Grace is a great hymn also!

      Delete

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