Author Archives: hymnoftheday

Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

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Today’s hymn comes from the reformer Martin Luther. This hymn was written in 1523 in Wittenberg and is Luther’s first hymn written for congregational singing. The hymn was translated from German by Richard Massie in 1854 and first published in 1524 in Achtliederbuch (Book of Eight Songs), the first printed compilation of Lutheran hymns1. This is a long one, but well worth the read; enjoy!

Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice,
with exultation springing,
and with united heart and voice
and holy rapture singing,
proclaim the wonders God has done,
how his right arm the vict’ry won.
How dearly it has cost him!

Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay;
death brooded darkly o’er me.
Sin was my torment night and day;
in sin my mother bore me.
Yet deep and deeper still I fell;
life had became a living hell,
so firmly sin possessed me.

My own good works availed me naught,
no merit they attaining;
my will against God’s judgment fought,
no hope for me remaining.
My fears increased till sheer despair
left only death to be my share
and hell to be my sentence.

But God beheld my wretched state
before the world’s foundation,
and, mindful of his mercies great,
he planned for my salvation.
A father’s heart he turned to me,
sought my redemption fervently;
he gave his dearest treasure.

He spoke to his belovèd Son:
“It’s time to have compassion.
Then go, bright jewel of my crown,
and bring to all salvation.
From sin and sorrow set them free;
slay bitter death for them that they
may live with you forever.”

The Son obeyed his Father’s will,
was born of virgin mother,
and, God’s good pleasure to fulfill,
he came to be my brother.
No garb of pomp or pow’r he wore;
a servant’s form like mine he bore
to lead the devil captive.

To me he spoke, “Hold fast to me,
I am your rock and castle.
Your ransom I myself will be;
for you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours, your friend divine,
and evermore you shall be mine;
the foe shall not divide us.

“The foe will shed my precious blood,
me of my life bereaving;
all this I suffer for your good;
be steadfast and believing.
Life will from death the vict’ry win;
my innocence shall bear your sin,
and you are blest forever.

“Now to my Father I depart,
the Holy Spirit sending
and, heav’nly wisdom to impart,
my help to you extending.
He will a source of comfort be,
teach you to know and follow me,
and in all truth will guide you.

“What I on earth have lived and taught
be all your life and teaching;
so shall the kingdom’s work be wrought
and honored in your preaching.
Take care that no one’s man-made laws
should e’er destroy the gospel’s cause;
this final word I leave you.”

1https://medium.com/cbuworship/dear-christians-one-and-all-rejoice-a-reformation-hymn-e622b560912b

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Quiet, Lord, My Froward Heart

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Today”s hymn is another honest plea from John Newton, which I’m sure we can all resonate with. What I love about Newton’s hymns are the simplicity and honesty contained within. I’m sure this hymn will come in handy, if not today, than not long after! Enjoy!

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart;
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art;
Make me as a weaned child,
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases Thee.

What Thou shalt to-day provide
Let me as a child receive;
What to-morrow may betide
Calmly to Thy wisdom leave:
‘Tis enough that Thou wilt care;
Why should I the burden bear?

As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own,
Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,
Fears to stir a step alone,–
Let me thus with Thee abide,
As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

Thus preserved from Satan’s wiles,
Safe from dangers, free from fears,m
May I live upon Thy smiles
Till the promised hour appears,
When the sons of God shall prove
All their Father’s boundless love.

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A Sov’reign Protector I Have

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Today’s hymn comes from August Toplady (1740-1778) who is most notably known for his hymn ‘Rock of Ages’. This hymn I’m sure will give you comfort that the Sovereign Lord God is on our side. I hope this encourages you today. Enjoy!

A sov’reign Protector I have,
unseen, yet forever at hand,
unchangeably faithful to save,
almighty to rule and command.

He smiles, and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend;
and walls of salvation surround
the soul He delights to defend.

Inspirer and hearer of pray’r,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
my all to Thy covenant care
I sleeping and waking resign.

If Thou art my Shield and my Sun,
the night is no darkness to me;
and fast as my moments roll on,
they bring me but nearer to Thee.

Kind Author and Ground of my hope,
Thee, Thee, for my God I avow;
my glad Ebenezer set up,
and own Thou hast helped me till now.

I muse on the years that are past,
wherein my defense Thou hast proved;
nor wilt Thou relinquish at last
a sinner so signally loved!

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He Who Would Valiant Be

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Today’s hymn comes from John Bunyan and his great allergy, Pilgrim’s Progress. The first edition of the first part of the book was published in 1678, and The Second Part of the Pilgrim’s Progress was published in 1682. A second edition of the second part was issued in 1684, where this hymn appeared. The second part involves the main character’s wife, Christiana, and his children who had initially refused to follow him, now retracing his path, aided by a guide named Mr. Greatheart. On their way to the Celestial City, they meet another pilgrim named Valiant-for-Faith, who had just fended off three marauders. His parents had discouraged him from leaving, told him of the many challenges he would face, told him of others who had failed in their attempts, and wrongly informed him that Christian had died in the Black River. Valiant ended his testimony by saying he decided to pursue the Celestial City anyway by choosing to believe the assurances of a figure named Mr. Tell-true. The hymn follows his testimony1. I hope you enjoy this one!

He who would valiant be 
‘gainst all disaster,
let him in constancy 
follow the Master.
There’s no discouragement 
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent 
to be a pilgrim.

Who so beset him round 
with dismal stories,
do but themselves confound—
his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might, 
though he with giants fight;
he will make good his right 
to be a pilgrim.

Since, Lord, Thou dost defend 
us with Thy Spirit,
we know we at the end 
shall life inherit.
Then, fancies, flee away! 
I’ll fear not what men say,
I’ll labor night and day 
to be a pilgrim

1https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/who-would-true-valour-see

Sing!

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Today’s song is Sovereign Grace’s most recent release. 2023. This song is from their upcoming album, which is based on J.I. packer’s classic book Knowing God. Bob Kauflin writes “2023 marked the 50th anniversary of J.I. Packer’s classic book, Knowing God. Since I first read it in the late 70s, I’ve quoted and referred to it more times than I can count… So when my son, Devon, suggested that Sovereign Grace Music write and record an album of songs based on Packer’s book, it was a no-brainer. First, it would be an opportunity to highlight how God has used Knowing God to make theology not only accessible, but delightful. Second, we knew Packer’s book would be a rich resource for songs that connect the head and the heart. Third, we hoped it would cause those who have never read it to do so, and stir those who have already read it to read it again! Finally, good theology always leads to glad doxology. Knowing God isn’t simply a book to read. It’s songs waiting to be sung1.” I’m sure you’ll enjoy this!

Did you draw a breath as the dawn awoke
And does your heart still beat?
Is the mighty Word of the living God
Upholding you? Then sing, O sing

Has the Father’s love filled your longing heart
With grace for every need?
Come and lay your burdens at Jesus’ feet
And find new strength to sing, O sing

Refrain
Morning and evening! Everything breathing
Must sing, O sing!
All of creation rise up and praise
The King of kings and sing!

Has the Son of God died to take away
Your sin and set you free?
Has the Conqueror trampled over death?
Is Christ enthroned? Then sing O sing!

On the final day when the Lord on High
Returns in majesty
We will bow in wonder before the Lamb
And evermore the saints will sing
Yes, evermore the saints will sing!

1https://www.sovereigngrace.com/blog/coming-soon-a-preview-of-the-knowing-god-album

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Christ Is Our Cornerstone

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Today’a hymn is a translation of the Latin hymn, Angularis fundamentum lapis, from Hymns of the Primitive Church, which was translated by Rev. John Chandler, one of the most successful translators of hymns. Ordained as a deacon in 1831 and priest in 1832, he succeeded his father as the patron and vicar of Whitley, in 1837. Enjoy reading this hymn this Lord’s Day!

Christ is our cornerstone,
on him alone we build;
with his true saints alone
the courts of heaven are filled;
on his great love
our hopes we place
of present grace
and joys above.

With psalms and hymns of praise
this place of prayer shall ring;
our voices we will raise,
the Three-in-One to sing;
and thus proclaim
in joyful song
both loud and long
that glorious name.

Here, gracious God, draw near
as in your name we bow;
each true petition hear,
accept each faithful vow;
then more and more
on all who pray
each holy day
your blessings pour.

Here may we gain from heaven
the grace which we implore;
and may that grace, once given,
be with us evermore;
until that day
when all the blessed
to endless rest
are called away.

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Count Your Blessings

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Today’s hymn comes from Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856–1922), an ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He had spent some time in the mercantile business with his father in Lumberton, New Jersey, as Johnson Oatman & Son, and in 1892 Oatman had started writing songs1. He has written over 3000 gospel songs and hymns, including this reminder to count the blessings of the Lord. If you’re feeling discouraged or weary today, why not take his advice and count your blessings? Enjoy!

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

1https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/count-your-blessings

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Nothing Between My Soul and the Saviour

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Today’s hymn comes from Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933) who has been described as the ‘father of African American Hymnody’. Tindley was granted a license to preach from Bainbridge Street Methodist Church in Philadelphia, where he was employed as a janitor from 1880-1885. In 1902, he was assigned to Bainbridge Street Methodist Episcopal Church as its pastor. The hymn text states that a full life in Christ would require sacrifice of “worldly pleasure” and that we should not be led astray by “this world’s delusive dream”1. I hope you can use these words to tell your soul this today; enjoy!

Nothing between my soul and the Saviour,
Naught of this world’s delusive dream:
I have renounced all sinful pleasure-
Jesus is mine! There’s nothing between.

Refrain:
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favour:
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure:
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever-
He is my all! There’s nothing between. [Refrain]

Nothing between, like pride or station:
Self or friends shall not intervene;
Though it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved! There’s nothing between. [Refrain]

Nothing between, e’en many hard trials,
Though the whole world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self denial-
Triumph at last, with nothing between! [Refrain]

1https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-nothing-between

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Come Down, O Love Divine

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Today’s hymn is one that is usually sung at Pentecost. The original words are an Italian poem, “Discendi amor santo” by the medieval poet Bianco da Siena (1350-1399). In 1861, the Anglo-Irish clergyman and writer Richard Frederick Littledale translated it into English1. Enjoy!

Come down, O Love divine!
seek out this soul of mine
and visit it with your own ardour glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, your holy flame bestowing.

There let it freely burn
till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
and let your glorious light
shine ever on my sight,
and make my pathway clear, by your illuming.

Let holy charity
my outward vesture be,
and lowliness become my inner clothing;
true lowliness of heart
which takes the humbler part,
and for its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong
with which the soul will long
shall far surpass the power of human telling;
for none can guess its grace
till we become the place
in which the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.

1https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost

Christian! Walk Carefully

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Today’s hymn seems to be by an anonymous author, however it was included in John Dowling’s 1849 ‘Con­fer­ence Hymns’ collection. I hope you heed the warning today; enjoy!

Christian! walk carefully—danger is near;
Work out thy journey with trembling and fear;
Snares from without, and temptations within,
Seek to entice thee again into sin.

Christian! walk humbly—exult not in pride;
All that thou hast is by Je­sus supplied;
He holdeth thee up, He directeth thy ways,
To Him the glo­ry—to Him be the praise.

Christian! walk cheerfully, though the dark storm
Fill the bright sky with the clouds of alarm:
Soon will the clouds and the tempest be past,
And thou shalt dwell with thy Sav­ior at last.

Christian! walk steadfastly, while it is light;
Swift are approaching the shades of the night:
All that thy master hath bidden thee do,
Haste to perform, for the moments are few.

Christian! walk prayerfully—oft wilt thou fall,
If thou forget on thy Sav­ior to call:
Safe shalt thou walk through each trial and care,
If thou art clad in the armor of prayer.

Christian! walk joyfully—trouble and pain
Cease when the haven of rest thou dost gain;
This thy bright glo­ry, and this thy reward,
Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!

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