HYMN STORIES

“AND NOW YOU KNOW….”

We are encouraged, uplifted and sometimes even challenged by some of the songs and hymns we sing so often. You might wonder what inspired the writing and composition of these songs. There is a story behind each one. Most often these stories will give even more meaning to the already powerful blessing these songs are. In this library, you will find reasons and life experiences that God used to provide us with wonderful messages in music. These are historical accounts of hymns and songs used in the programs of Hope Today.

JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE

It is hard to believe that a hymn so well loved and requested would not have a known author and story. The hymn… JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE …has only speculation of a probable origin . It gained national popularity in the 1930’s, and it is widely believed that this song predates the Civil War. Some African American histories recall that slaves were heard singing a song about walking by the Lord’s side as they worked in the fields. If, in fact, the song can be attributed

3 days ago

JOYFUL, JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE

The hymn for today is very therapeutic in those darker days; it says, “Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away,” requesting God to “Lift us to the joy divine.” Born in 1852, Henry van Dyke lived a very accomplished life. He became the pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. He later became professor of English literature at Princeton, and authored a number of books including the popular title “The Other Wise Man”. He was appoin

3 days ago

JOY TO THE WORLD

Every Christmas, we sing JOY TO THE WORLD and it does bring us happiness! It was written by Isaac Watts, who lived between 1674 and 1748. Even as a boy, Isaac displayed literary genius and an aptitude for study. At the age of 5, he was learning Latin, at nine, Greek, at eleven, French and at thirteen, Hebrew. In addition, he became known as an ardent student of theology and philosophy. While still in his teens, Watts became very dissatisfied with the deplorable, Psalm

3 days ago

JESUS, NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

The name Jesus is a wonderful and meaningful name when you know Him. Our song history today is not about a traditional hymn, rather it is about a short worship song called, JESUS, NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES . The songwriter, Naida Hearn, never dreamed she would have such an impact on Christian music and singing in so many nations. In 1931, she was born to Bill and Elsie O’Hara in Palmerston North, New Zealand. As a young child, she attended a Methodist Sunday School where she

3 days ago

JESUS CALLS US O’ER THE TUMULT

Our hymn for today is another quality hymn text written by Cecil (Cecille) Francis Alexander, who was recognized as one of Great Britain’s finest women hymn writers. This text is one of the few hymns not written specifically for children; nearly all her more than 400 poems and hymns were intended for reaching children with the gospel. It was always Mrs. Alexander’s contention that spiritual truths could best be taught to children through the use of suitable songs. Her hus

3 days ago

IT TOOK A MIRACLE

John W. Peterson was a remarkable man whose autobiography, The Miracle Goes On , is a delightful read. He wrote in his story how his grandparents emigrated from Sweden and settled in Kansas. They always maintained a strong Christian testimony. Their influence on John and his brothers was meaningful as the boys watched them read their Bible, sing a song and prayer more than once each day. One by one, John’s brothers, having gone through some wild years, were converted. B

Mar 5, 2024

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

Horatio Spafford was a Christian church layman. As a young man, he had established a very successful law practice in Chicago. His financial success did not deter him from maintaining a keen interest in Christian ministry. Horatio enjoyed a close and supportive relationship with many evangelical leaders including the evangelist, D. L. Moody. Mr. Spafford had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan...holdings that were mostly wiped out in the 1871 Chi

Mar 5, 2024

IN CHRIST ALONE

Many hymns written centuries ago stand the test of time and remain favorites still today. Yet, there are song writers in our modern society whose inspirational pen produce hymns that move the spirits of people. These songs demonstrate a wonderful example of storytelling that convey the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ; Keith Getty and Stuart Townend are two of those contemporary hymn writers and composers. They met at a music event in 2000. Keith was a musician and com

Mar 5, 2024

IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE

In 1 Timothy 1:17 we read, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” So often, God will inspire a hymn writer when they are reading the Bible. That is exactly what God did when Walter Smith read that verse from 1 Timothy. Some have said that they cannot see God nor hear Him. From experience, many others will share how they saw God in creation and heard Him speak through His word…the Bible. When y

Mar 5, 2024

I WILL SING THE WONDROUS STORY

Francis Rowley was a Baptist Minister of the First Baptist church of North Adams, Massachusetts in 1886. He remembers, and I quote, “ The church and community were experiencing a period of unusual interest in religious matters, and I was assisted by a remarkable young Swiss musician by the name of Peter Bilhorn .” End of quote. One Sunday, following the evening service, Peter Bilhorn asked Pastor Rowley to write the words of a hymn that he could then set to music. During

Mar 5, 2024

I WILL RISE

The hymn, I WILL RISE , was written by Chris Tomlin in collaboration with Louie Giglio, the founder of Passion Conferences, a Christian organization committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to college students. At the age of 11, Chris contracted mononucleosis and was bed ridden for a time. His father brought him a guitar during this time and Chris learned to play while listening to Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. He wrote his first worship song at 14 years old and

Mar 5, 2024

I THEN SHALL LIVE

There is absolutely no question about the encouraging impact Gloria and Bill Gaither have had on gospel music and on gospel musicians…young and old…new and seasoned. Gloria’s recounts how she & Bill are often inspired to write about what life is teaching them. After reading Francis Schaeffer’s 1976 book called, "How Then Shall We Live ," she became challenged about her faith and the influence her life could have as a Christian, as a young parent and as a citizen of this w

Mar 5, 2024

I SURRENDER ALL

Someone once said that it is only in the Christian life where total surrender brings victory! Hymn writer, Judson Van de Venter, experienced this personally. Born on a farm near Dundee, Michigan in December 1855, Judson Van de Venter grew up interested in art and music. He had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 17. After graduating from college, he became an art teacher and later a supervisor of art in the public schools of Sharon, Pennsylvania. He

Mar 5, 2024

I SING THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD

Isaac Watts loved children even though he had none of his own. He was a child prodigy himself, rhyming words constantly from a young age – much to the annoyance of his minister father. Perhaps Isaac loved children because he identified with their youthful exuberance! Isaac Watts wrote many hymns for children which were published in a collection for children called – "Divine and Moral Songs for Children." I SING THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD is an example of foundational Chr

Mar 5, 2024

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

It is recorded that Brother Lawrence once exclaimed, “I am as close to God while working in the kitchen as when I am praying in the chapel.” “The Lord after all,” he went on, “is always near us and where ever we are is Holy ground!” And so, it was in 1872, when Annie Hawks was 37 and she was busy with her regular household tasks, when suddenly she became filled with the sense of nearness to God. She wondered how anyone could live without knowing their Creator…whether in

Mar 5, 2024

I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY

Katherine Hankey was born in 1834 and was more affectionately known as Kate amongst her family and friends. Her father was a wealthy banker and part of a more evangelical faction of the Anglican Church. The desire for a gospel outreach in her community, encouraged Kate to organize Sunday School classes for the rich and the poor throughout London. The students of these classes were so spiritually influenced that many in turn became zealous Christian workers. Kate did consi

Mar 5, 2024

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW

Ira Stanphill was born on Valentine’s Day in 1914. He was a well-known gospel music writer, preacher and evangelist in the 20th century. Believing and receiving Jesus Christ as his Saviour at the age of 12, he finished college and began preaching at age 22. As an evangelist he travelled and spoke at Churches and Bible Camps and in at least 40 countries. He wrote more than 500 songs…some of which were recorded by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Some of his favourite compos

Mar 5, 2024

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES

The story of Samuel Medley is a similar story often repeated through out the generations. He was born in 1738 in an English village. His father and grandfather were sincere believers, who planted seeds of grace in Samuel’s heart. Yet it took years for them to sprout. At the age of fourteen Samuel moved to London, and three years later joined the British navy. His three years aboard a warship in the Mediterranean were spent in corruption and carelessness. His remarkable

Mar 5, 2024

I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY

Born just before Christmas in 1808, Horatius Bonar was one of 11 children. He and 2 of his brothers became outstanding preachers. Bonar studied for the ministry at the University of Edinburgh. He was ordained as a pastor and began pastoring in Kelso. He later moved to Edinburgh where he became one of Scotland’s most famous preachers. Bonar began writing hymns at his church in Kelso. Many of his hymns were especially written for children, often introducing these hymns

Mar 5, 2024

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

Sometimes when you sing a favourite song, you may not be aware of the reason that hymn was composed; I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS is one of those hymns that when you hear the story behind the words…the hymn takes on a whole new meaning and the message becomes so much more profound. The way you sing it forever changes. After the revival in Wales some 150 years ago, Missionaries came to a group of hostile and aggressive villages in an area called Assam, India. They came

Mar 5, 2024