31 Days of Hymns - Day 2

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Written in 1529, Martin Luther, penned this great hymn based on Psalm 46. I've always found this to be a powerful song to sing, yet listening to hundreds of  men singing at the Together for the Gospel conference elevates the power even more. It's truly awe-inspiring!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_tGKr1dgxY


A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.


Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.


And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.


That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!


More about this hymn:


http://www.hymnary.org/text/a_mighty_fortress_is_our_god_a_bulwark

 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 1

Be Still, My Soul 

This is one of the most beautiful, comforting hymns ever written.  Penned about 300 years ago these words are pure treasure for the believer. Perhaps inspired by these words from Psalm 46:1a  “Be still, and know that I am God.", the writer, Catharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel clearly communicates who God is, His promises, and the confidence we have that He is true and faithful. May you be blessed and comforted as you listen to this beautiful hymn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92fMgMt_Zw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwkPsKe-39Y

Kari Jobe's version with "In You I rest..." verses is especially comforting!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM


Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.


Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.


Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.


Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.


Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Learn more about this hymn writer: http://wordwisehymns.com/2010/10/22/today-in-1697-katharina-von-schlegel-born/

Learn for about this hymn here: http://www.hymnary.org/text/be_still_my_soul_the_lord_is_on_thy_side

Kari Jobe rendition with additional verses:

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last
Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below

Chorus

In you I rest, in You I found my hope
In you I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within your hands alone
Be still, my soul

Verse 2

Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointed grief and fear are gone
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored
Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last

Chorus 2x

In you I rest, in You I found my hope
In you I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within your hands alone
Be still, my soul

In you I rest, in You I found my hope
In you I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within your hands alone
Be still, my soul 3x