“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
When Paul and Silas had been beaten, thrown into prison with their feet fastened in stocks, they sang hymns to God (Acts 16:23-25). Their singing strengthened their faith in their terrible situation, but also witnessed to others. God used their singing to encourage those around them and even contributed to the conversion of the Philippian jailer. God most often puts us in impossible situations before he extends his grace. I wonder if God is not doing something similar today on a national scale. America is in real trouble today, and since I am an American, I pay attention to the news.
The catastrophic and humiliating retreat from Afghanistan leaving so many behind, the release of terrorists from prison, the ravages of hurricanes, the continued CCP virus and Delta variant, our little children being made to wear masks at school, so many babies murdered through abortions, the unbelievable number of illegals entering this country, the riots and shootings in big cities, and the rising costs of everything, to name a few of our troubles, are bound to depress us and make us afraid. And we seem helpless to stop it. I have learned that singing hymns helps me get through troubles, and right now, I need to sing! I believe our whole country needs to sing! And we don’t need to sing stupid junk songs. We need to sing Psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs.
One hymn that I have sung many times when in trouble is Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus. By Helen Lemmel. Do you know the words?
Verse 1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the
darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
and life more abundant and free.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his
wonderful face;
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace.
I particularly like verse 3.
His Word shall not fail you –
he promised;
believe him and all will be well:
then go to a world that is
dying,
his perfect salvation to tell!
This hymn is for America
right now. It is for you and me when we
are in personal trouble. It is for us to
sing to the world that is dying because so many do not know Jesus Christ as
Savior. He is the only hope in a troubled
and messed up world.
We sang this in church last Sunday. Added Verses that are very God Honoring - Christ Exalting!
ReplyDeleteTurn Your Eyes
Verse 1
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Verse 2
Turn your eyes to the hillside
Where justice and mercy embrace
There the Son of God gave His life for us
And our measureless debt was erased
Chorus
Jesus to You we lift our eyes
Jesus our glory and our prize
We adore You behold You our Savior ever true
Oh Jesus we turn our eyes to You
Verse 3
Turn your eyes to the morning
And see Christ the lion awake
What a glorious dawn fear of death is gone
For we carry His life in our veins
Verse 4
Turn your eyes to the heavens
Our King will return for His own
Every knee will bow every tongue will shout
All glory to Jesus alone
When I was young, my parents let me take accordion lessons. I couldn't play the songs one usually heard coming from an accordion, but I could play hymns. I would go into my bedroom and shut the door (which is really the only appropriate way an accordion should be played!), and play through an old hymn book. The words of the hymns were so beautiful, and they touched me in ways I couldn't explain. Today, I know I was worshipping and praising God via that old hymn book. I still do that from time to time (behind closed doors and windows,of course). It's only God and me with the words of the old hymns - and He doesn't seem to mind the accordion.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, "Rosemary Rupp" is my pseudonym for some social media outlets. Rosemary is a beautiful name! My married name and the BSF and Rafiki Foundation name is, Gail Rupprecht, former Bsf TL Baltimore Day Class, serving under you tenure until 2021.
ReplyDeleteThis "Last Word" really stuck home with me as hymn singing has been my 'go to' throughout this season of world and national troubles. "Turn Your Eyes,", How firm a foundation", "A Mighty Fortress" and "Our God Our Help In Ages Past" (from the BSF Hymnal that you so kindly influenced the Board to give to each BSF Leader),these hymns are sung the loudest, with earnestness, and with fervent belief that God hears. Battles need songs! God carried me through those TL years with singing hymns. Your "Last Words" are a spiritual blessing to me, being one person,I know, who isn't cowed by political correctness. I too keep up with current events because it helps be to live in reality. Love, and appreciation, Gail
Dear Gail, I remember you very well and appreciate your teaching BSF. I hope you will stay in touch. You can reach me through Rafiki if you want. I would be interested to know what you are doing now that you have retired from BSF. Love, Rosemary
DeleteI am currently singing my way through the BSF leaders hymnal It is a treasure.
ReplyDeleteOne of the privileges of BSF leadership is singing ALL VERSES of the leader's hymnal throughout the year. That habit for decades causes memorization. In times of sorrow and joy, hymns happen.
ReplyDeleteYes, hymns lead us into battles and out of victories.
Thank you for this post.