By John BJ Hall
Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. Isaiah 12:5
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; Ephesians 5:19
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Luther Bridges was preaching a revival when a policeman knocked on his door one evening. The officer bore the news that Bridges’ wife, children, and her parents died when their house burned down. He struggled to continue in ministry after such a loss. Shortly after the tragedy, he penned the words to this great hymn. “Fear not I am with thee, peace be still.” “Jesus swept across the broken strings, Stirred the slumbering chords again.” He wrote of the trials and the rough and steep path, yet he followed the path of the Lord all the way. All of this comes with the hope of Christ’s return when we will reign with Him forever.
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Father, thank You for the assurance and strength that You give in the trials of life. Your grace gives me hope no matter what trials come my way. I know that I can trust Your hand to guide me through the darkest days. I will sing of Your sweet name. Thank You for placing a song in my heart. Amen.
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This is an excerpt from the soon-to-be-published, HYMNS OF PRAISE V4: A Devotional Guide to the Hymns of Our Faith by John BJ Hall. © Copyright 2024 by Passages Ministries Publishing.