Colossians 3:16 Wednesday

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

On Monday, Kristen Bridgman wrote a blog, before she even knew what the question of the week was going to be, called The Old Hymns. I asked her if I could use it for today's (Thurs.'s) meditation since the words for today are, "as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." I think you'll understand after reading it, why I asked her if I could. In the same message where I asked her permission, I also asked her forgiveness because if she hadn't gotten back with me, I was going to use it anyway. :)

During a difficult period in my life, my aunt, gifted in music, encouraged me to read the words of the old hymns and take comfort in them. This turned out to be wonderful advice.

I love the praise and worship music sung in the churches today but they are not quite like the old hymns. The words are deep and meaningful and you can witness this by scanning the church during a hymn and more than likely you will spot an older woman with tears streaming down her face because the words speak to her, she is identifying with the truth behind those words. I have come to be one of those women now. Here are just a few of the sacred ones:

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrow, like sea billow roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word; just to rest upon His promise; just to know thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!”

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, JUST because He lives.”

I am so thankful for God inspiring the hearts of these hymn writers hundreds of years ago and that they stood the test of time just like His Word. They have given me strength, have lifted my spirits, and helped me to go at those times when I just wanted to crawl under the covers and not get up.There is such power in singing the hymns and we see this with Paul. He was nearly stoned to death, three times beaten with rods, received 195 lashes from the Jews, and bloodily beaten in the Philippian jail. After all this he endured, he sits in jail and we read this about him:

“About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

We know what transpired next because of this hymn singing. Not only were they ministering to the neighboring prisoners, but a great earthquake shook so that their chains were broken and the prison doors flew open. The jailer and his family were all saved and baptized that night and they were all filled with joy! Wow!!!

Amazing grace, we believers have it. We may not always feel it but we can reach down inside of ourselves for it by belting out one of these beloved hymns. You don’t have to feel it to praise, just do it! There is power in praise and in these old words.

From Stream in the Desert,
Oh, let us rejoice in the Lord, evermore, when darts of the Tempter are flying, for Satan still dreads, as he oft did before, Our singing much more than our crying.”

I believe in a good, cleansing cry every now and then. But let’s also remember to raise our voices with the wonderful words of the old hymns. Really pay attention to what is being said. It not only will lift your spirits, give you courage, and please the Lord but will send the ol’ devil fleeing. It’s worth it just for that!

Remember, Jesus Paid it All, At the Cross, The Old Rugged Cross. We have been Washed in the Blood and can now say I am Thine, O Lord, I am Thine O Lord. We are leaning on the Everlasting Arms and Bringing in the Sheaves. We believers can gather together and sing, When We All Get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.

“God be with you till we meet again! By His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again!

Are you humming yet?