Music plays a prominent role in my story, especially hymns. Whether I play them on the piano or sing them at home while participating in online worship, hymns guide me in singing God’s story over my life. All this month at Do Not Depart we have been looking historically at hymn writers and their hymns. It is encouraging to see how God uses diverse people and talents to tell His Story again and again.
Today’s brief recap of each post in the series contains a link to each post— everything in place for easy access. I’ve also created a Spotify playlist of our featured hymns. Consider listening as you read today’s post.
Edward Mote and My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Though the world twists and shifts— Jesus Never Fails. Ali Shaw shares this message by introducing us to Edward Mote in her post titled, Stand on the Rock. Although “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” was written over a hundred years ago, it is perfectly penned for the circumstances we are living in right now. Ali writes, “Through the constant, steady nature of God, we can find hope when our world shifts. All of God’s promises are true, His commands are good, and His ways are best. Always!”
John Newton and Amazing Grace
Even for the vilest of sinners— God’s Grace Transforms. The words of the famous hymn, “Amazing Grace,” endures and resonates across all branches of Christianity 241 years later because it reflects our deep debt of sin and Jesus’ great gift of grace. In my post, The Transforming Power of God’s Grace, I share how God’s grace through Jesus Christ changed a slave trader into an abolitionist and more.
James Weldon Johnson, Lift Every Voice and Sing
In a world tainted by sin and injustice— God is Our Hope. Lisa Burgess shines the light on the life and words of James Weldon Johnson. Although he suffered many injustices as a black man in the segregated South, he knew God was with him. His hymn, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sings of faith and hope. Using the words of the beloved hymn, Lisa teaches us to practice hope, remember the past, and trust God for the future, in her post, Lift Every Voice and Sing: The Story Behind the Hymn.
Civilla D. Martin, His Eye is on The Sparrow
When I am overwhelmed— God Sees Me. In her post, Simple Truth in a Simple Tune, Jaime Hilton shares how “When storms rage in my heart, I can rest knowing that the God who cares about the sparrows, cares even more for me.”
Frances Ridley Havergal, Take My Life and Let It Be
When I lose control, I am reminded— My Life Belongs to God. Inspired by the life of Frances Ridley Havergal and her famous hymn, Jennifer Hong writes about surrendering our lives to God in the post titled, Take My Life and Let It Be. Our human condition keeps us from complete surrender, but Jennifer encourages us as she preaches to herself: “As I surrender to Him all that is not mine to hold tightly — my wealth, my hours, my talents, my goals, and even my pain, I find my heart becomes more spacious, an appropriate throne for the King of Glory.”
Fanny J. Crosby, Blessed Assurance
I may lack what the world treasures— but, Jesus Is Mine. Blindness robbed Fanny Crosby of her sight, but she found the richest of blessings in knowing Jesus. In “Blessed Assurance,” Ms. Crosby paints a picture of our blessings in Christ. In her post, Blessed Assurance is Knowing Jesus is Ours, Kelli LaFram writes, “Though sometimes we doubt His love and mercy, it will be continually echoed and whispered to us in Heaven.”
Keep Singing His Story
Friends, I hope you’ve enjoyed our look at the histories of hymn writers and their hymns. I love seeing how God works through each individual, joining his story, her story, your story, and my story to His Glorious Story. Take a minute to let us know in the comments what you’ve learned through this series, or share a story about a hymn you love.
Join the Discussion