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.

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

I AM NOT SKILLED TO UNDERSTAND

This hymn was one of the Songs of Salvation written by Dorothy Greenwell…affectionately known as Dora. Her personality was described by many with the term “rippling sunshine.” She took specific interest in those who were less fortunate, less educated or who had some physical or mental disabilities. Dora poured herself – passion and purse – into loving and helping those who were misunderstood or mistreated by society. One friend said, “Her life was hidden with Christ in Go

Mar 5, 2024

HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS

Many may not be aware that John Newton, the author of one of the most famed and requested hymns of all time…Amazing Grace…wrote other texts as well; HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS is one of them. We are called to trust God…but that is not a chore…when you know the One in whom you place your trust. Your trust becomes a natural response to the wonderful knowledge of who Jesus Christ is. The story is told of John Newton, this converted slave ship captain, preaching on

Mar 5, 2024

HOW GREAT THOU ART

Many poems or hymns are inspired by the personal experiences of their authors. Often these events of heightened awareness and confirmation of truth lead them to communicate a grateful message through verse. The original Swedish text for the hymn, HOW GREAT THOU ART , was written by Reverend Carl Boberg. His inspiration is said to have come from a visit to a beautiful country estate on the southeast cost of Sweden. As he was being renewed by the natural beauty around him,

Mar 5, 2024

HOW GREAT OUR JOY

The origin of the text for HOW GREAT OUR JOY is not known, but according to some investigations, it may date back to as early as 1500 AD in Germany. In 1623, the tune was modernized and given an echo setting…where one group or individual repeats the lines of the other. There is speculation that the song may have been designed for a Christmas play in which the Shepherds’ lines were followed by an off-stage echo. Part of the song was first translated into English in the ea

Mar 5, 2024

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION is one of those stalwart hymns in evangelical churches. This sermon in music includes 5 verses...each inspired by a different passage of scripture...from Isaiah to Hebrews to 2 Corinthians. The hymn first appeared in 1787 when it was published in a hymnal by Dr. John Rippon. Dr. Rippon was one of the most popular and influential ministers of his time and was the pastor of Carter’s Lane Baptist Church in London, England for 63 years. The authorship

Mar 5, 2024

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Reginald Heber was born in 1783 to scholarly and well-to-do parents. It was not surprising that at age 17, Reginald entered Oxford University where his scholarship and literary abilities received much attention. Following his ordination to the ministry of the Anglican Church, he served for 16 years at an obscure parish church in a small village in western England. He became known as a prolific literary writer and became a frequent contributor to magazines with his poetry,

Mar 5, 2024