Old Hymns

 One day when heaven
Is filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to
Be born of a virgin
He dwelt among men, my example is He

 

[Chorus:]

Living He loved me
Dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified
Freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh, Glorious Day
Oh, Glorious Day

 

One day they led Him
Up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him
To die on a tree
Suffering anguish
Despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose o’er
Death He had conquered
Now is ascended
My lord evermore
 

One day the trumpet will
Sound for His coming
One day the skies with His
Glories will shine
Wonderful day
My beloved was bringing
Glorious Savior this Jesus is mine

There is something special about the old hymns. Many of them carry a powerful message, a strong anointing, and a doorway into the praises of heaven—helping to carry our spirits to new heights of adoration and a deeper sense of the heart of God.

These old hymns are not only delightful to sing, but their words provide a rich and rewarding resource for prayer and meditation. Why are they so impactful? Why have they endured the test of time, enriched our lives, and helped us to express our worship? One of the main reasons is because they were birthed out of an intimate relationship that the hymn writers had with the Lord, and because of the comfort, hope, and encouragement they received from His Spirit as they walked through the dark valleys of life.

The following quote by F.B. Meyer gives us further insight into the hardships of many of the early hymn writers: “The church owes many of her sweetest hymns to the profound anguish which wrung the hearts of her noblest children. The rough feet of trial and pain have stamped, as in the oil-press, hearts whose life-blood is preserved in matchless lyrics.”

 

As you begin your spiritual journey through 2015, think about adding two books to your devotional library (if they are not already there). One is a book of old hymns (one with just the lyrics will do). The other is a book that tells the stories behind the writing of many of our favorite hymns.  These books will be a wonderful resource for mediation and reflection in your quiet times.

 

By Roy Lessin