Today’s hymn is a suggested hymn from a subscriber. The hymn comes from Anna Letitia Waring (1823-1910) who was a Quaker and then became a member of the Church of England. She had a particular concern for the welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners and she learned Hebrew in order to be able to read the Old Testament in the original. She published a number of books of her own hymns as well as writings on moral and religious themes; this particular hymn has been described as a ‘beautiful variation’ of Psalm 23. Julian’s Dictionary of Hymnology noted that her hymns were ‘marked by great simplicity, concentration of thought, and elegance of diction’¹. I do love reading and researching the hymns subscribers suggest to me, so please do send any suggestions through the form! Enjoy!

In heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?

Wherever he may guide me,
no want shall turn me back;
my Shepherd is beside me,
and nothing can I lack:
his wisdom ever waketh,
his sight is never dim,
he knows the way he taketh,
and I will walk with him.

Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies will soon be o’er me,
where darkest clouds have been;
my hope I cannot measure,
my path to life is free;
my Saviour has my treasure,
and he will walk with me.

¹music.churchofscotland.org.uk/hymn/551-in-heavenly-love-abiding

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As I mentioned before, my husband set out to find a song for each Psalm as close to the ESV rendering as possible (which he managed to do!). One of his great finds was a 3 volume collection of songs by Exodus Music who masterfully put Psalm 119 word for word (ESV) to music. This one is one of my favourites. Do check them out on Youtube and streaming platforms as I’m sure you’ll be blessed by all the songs in all 3 volumes; enjoy!

You have dealt well with your servant,
    O Lord, according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.
You are good and do good;
    teach me your statutes.
The insolent smear me with lies,
    but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
their heart is unfeeling like fat,
    but I delight in your law.
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces

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Today’s song was originally by Isaac Watts based of Psalm 120. Cardiphonia and Bruce Benedict have done a lovely retune of this hymn below. Enjoy!

O God of love, forever blest,
pity my suffering state.
When will you set my soul at rest
from lips that love deceit?

Refrain:
Too long my soul (has made its home)
with those who lift the sword.
I am for peace; (but when I speak),
they make for war.

I cried in trouble to the Lord,
and he has answered me.
From lying lips and crafty tongue,
O Lord, my soul set free. [Refrain]

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Today’s hymn is another one from Gregory Wilbur, who makes excellent songs for the church to sing. This text is from Psalm 125 and taken from the 1912 Psalter used in Reformed Churches in America. Enjoy!

All who, with heart confiding, depend on God alone, 
like Zion’s mount abiding, shall not be overthrown. 
Like Zion’s city, bounded by guarding mountains broad, 
his people are surrounded forever by their God. 

No scepter of oppression shall hold unbroken sway, 
lest unto base transgression the righteous turn away. 
Your favor be imparted to godly people, Lord; 
bless all that are pure-hearted, the good with good reward. 

All those who evil cherish, forsaking truth and right, 
with wicked ones shall perish; God will their sin requite. 
From sin your saints defending, their joy, O Lord, increase, 
with mercy never-ending and everlasting peace.

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As mentioned not too long ago, I appreciate people who try to add melodies to Psalms so we can sing the divinely inspired songs given to us in the Lord’s Word. Enjoy this one from Sons of Korah, an Australian group who are committed to giving a fresh voice to biblical Psalms.

Sing a new song sing, and praise to the LORD
Sing a new song

Praise Him all the earth sing a new song
Proclaim that He saves
Declare His glory to the world
And His marvellous ways

For great is the LORD worthy of praise
And to be feared over all other gods
The LORD made the heavens sing a new song
Splendour and majesty are before Him always
And strength and glory in His house
In His most holy place

Ascribe to the LORD (O families of earth)
Ascribe to the LORD (glory and strength)
Ascribe to the LORD (the glory due to His name)
And bring an offering into His courts
Worship the LORD in His holiness
Tremble before Him, all the earth

Say He reigns, tell the earth the LORD reigns
The world is set, it can never be moved
The LORD will judge with equity

Worship the LORD thou and tremble in awe now
Worship the LORD in the splendour
Of all of His holy reign
Let the nations all say The
LORD reigns He is great
And most worthy of praise

Worship the LORD bow and tremble in awe now
Worship the LORD in the splendour
Of all of His holy reign
Let the nations all say The
LORD reigns He is great
And most worthy of praise

Let the heavens rejoice
And let the earth be glad
Let the sea resound, and all that’s in them
Let the fields rejoice
The trees sing for joy
To the LORD they sing
He comes to judge the earth
And in righteousness and truth
He comes, He comes, He comes to us
He comes, He comes, He’s coming to us
(Sing a new song)

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I appreciate anyone who takes seriously the command to sing “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” and take the book of Psalms and turn them into songs. I really enjoy this one by The Psalms Project. Enjoy!

I will extol You, O Lord
For You have lifted me
You haven’t let my enemies rejoice over me

O Lord my God, I cried to You, You healed me
You raised my life up from the grave
You have preserved my life
So I would not go down to the pit

All you saints, sing praises to the Lord
And to His holy name, give thanks
For His anger is only for a moment
His favor lasts a lifetime
Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes with the morning light

When I was prospering,
I said, “I won’t be moved”
By Your steadfast love,
You made my mountain stand strong
When You hid Your face, I was dismayed
I cried out to You,
And to the Lord I plead for mercy
“What profit is there in my death,
If I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me
O Lord, be my helper”
Then You answered

You have turned my mourning into dancing
You took off my mourning clothes
And you clothed me with joy
So my glory may sing praise to You
And not be silent
Lord my God, I’ll thank you forever

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Today’s song comes from Boyce Worship Collective, the music ministry from Boyce College. Their core values are gospel-centrality, musical diversity, ministry-focus¹. Enjoy!

Christ, my only trust and refuge
True and sure as day and night
Other helpers will betray me,
But the Lord is on my side
Kings enchant and princes promise
These will charm and still are weak
But the Lord of Jacob’s children
Will fulfill His word indeed.

Christ, my only trust and refuge
Mighty Sovereign of the spheres
He who holds the starry masses
Holds my life and stills my fears
Should the terrors of the darkness
Overwhelm my anxious soul
Christ will keep me by His power
He will never let me go

Christ, my only trust and refuge
At the gates of righteousness
On what grounds shall I, a sinner
Enter doors of holiness
Swing them wide, yes, I shall enter
By the blood of Christ I come
He the Spotless, He the Righteous
Has become my Cornerstone

¹boyceworshipcollective.com/about

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Christ, my only trust and refuge True and sure as day and night Other helpers will betray me, But the Lord is on my side Kings enchant and princes promise These will charm and still are weak But the Lord of Jacob’s children Will fulfill His word indeed. Verse 2 Christ, my only trust and refuge Mighty Sovereign of the spheres He who holds the starry masses Holds my life and stills my fears Should the terrors of the darkness Overwhelm my anxious soul Christ will keep me by His power He will never let me go Verse 3 Christ, my only trust and refuge At the gates of righteousness On what grounds shall I, a sinner Enter doors of holiness Swing them wide, yes, I shall enter By the blood of Christ I come He the Spotless, He the Righteous Has become my Cornerstone

This is another song written by Matt Searles here in the UK, as well as Matt Merker. As mentioned previously he has written songs specifically with congregational singing in mind. I really appreciate this since a lot of modern songs sound great when your favourite band plays them, but very difficult for congregations to sing due to the key, how complicated it is to play, or the array of instruments needed. This simple, catchy song based on Psalm 146 featuring Sovereign Grace’s Lacy Condy would be a great addition to any church’s weekly song list.

Refrain
Praise the Lord, O my soul
Praise him all my days
Praise him with my every breath
All glory to his name

Do not trust in earthly power
Mortal men who cannot save 
For their strength will soon depart
And like the grass they fade away

Rather we shall hope in God
O how blessed to know his grace
Who made earth and sky above 
Whose faithfulness shall never fail 

Refrain

He gives justice for the poor
To the hungry brings relief
Opens up the blinded eyes 
And he will set the captives free

He restores the weary soul
Yet defeats all wickedness
Crowns the widow with his love
A Father to the fatherless

Refrain

He has come to walk with us 
Making known the heart of God 
Christ our life our only hope
And he shall reign forevermore

Refrain

The song is not on Youtuve but can be listened to here: https://mattsearles.bandcamp.com/track/praise-him-all-my-days-ps-146

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In his own words, Stuart Townend describes this song as “it a great, fun song of praise that will work in a number of different contexts. It’s based on Psalm 147, a Psalm which explores the dynamic image of God’s power and might expressed in the words of Scripture and creation, but married to His care and concern for the weakest and the most vulnerable among us. To see His power expressed in the icy blast (Psalm 147 v17) and power of creation, and to recognise simultaneously that He cares for the orphan and the refugee (expressed as the ‘exiles’ in the Psalm) is a profound and wonderful message for all of us, and encourages everyone to put their hope fully in God¹.” Enjoy this upbeat one!

How good it is to sing, 
To bring our praise to Him
Whose love and mercy knows no end.
He brings the sun and rain, 
He calls each star by name, 
The universe resounds with praise.

Refrain
O shout for joy to God and sing a new song,
Extol the Lord of life for His provision,
And He delights in those who love and fear Him,
All those who put their hope in God.

He gathers families,
Orphans and refugees,
And binds the wounds of those who mourn;
The humble lifted high,
The proud He casts aside,
His justice faithful as the dawn.

Refrain

What friend or foe can last
Before His icy blast?
The winds and waves obey His voice.
Yet mercy will prevail,
His love will reconcile
The nations of the earth to Him.

Refrain

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I mentioned previously that my husband started a project to gather a song for every Psalm, as close to the ESV translation as possible. Along the way, we discovered Brain Sauvé, who is committed to Psalm singing and makes great songs for you to do the same. I love this one of Psalm 139 and often find myself humming it. Psalm 139 typically has been hijacked by women’s ministries, using verse 14 as their tag line. But this Psalm has so much rich theology that David wants to somehow convey – not about how wonderful we are, but how fearful and great God is. Enjoy!

LORD You have searched me, and you know
Me when I rest, where’re I go
My thoughts You know, even from afar
My path You search, my lying down
You altogether know my ways
Before a word, is on my tongue
Behold O LORD, You know it all
You hem me in before, behind

On me You rest Your mighty hand
So wondrous is, Your knowledge and
Your ways Your thoughts, so lofty are
I cannot grasp, nor reach so far

Where can I from, Your spirit flee
Or from Your presence ever be
In Heaven no, it is Your own
As well the depths of dark Sheol

If I the wings, of dawn could take
And in the deeps, my dwelling make
Even there Your mighty hand would lead
And Your right hand, take hold of me
If I should say the darkness shall
O’er take the light and cover me
The dark it is, not dark to You
With you the dark is as the day

Within the womb, You knitted me
My God You formed, my inward parts
So fearfully, and wondrously
My soul well knows Your wondrous heart
I was not hidden from Your sight
When in the depths of earth was wrought
My frame in secret woven there
Your eyes beheld me yet unformed

In all the days, You formed for me
Were written in Your Book’s decree
Before there had, been even one
O God, how vast, is all the sum
Of all Your wondrous thoughts, O God
How precious to me every one
They number more than all the sand
When I awake, I’m in your hand

O men of blood, from me depart
O that You would, the wicked slay
They speak of You, with ill intent
And take Your Holy Name in vain
Do I not hate Your haters LORD
Those loathing You, I have abhorred
I hate them with, a perfect hate
I count them as my enemies
Search me O God, and know my heart
Try me and know, each of my thoughts
And lead me, Lord, if I should stray
Away the everlasting way

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