MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD

MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD is a twentieth century hymn composed by Norman Clayton in 1945.  He was born in 1903, the ninth of ten children, and converted to faith at the age of 6 at the church in South Brooklyn where his mother had been a founding member. 

Norman became the church organist by age 12 and maintained that role for the rest of his life.  Although he had a varied career working on a dairy farm, at an office in New York, in construction, and in a bakery, he eventually moved into a full-time sacred music career.  In 1942, he worked with Jack Wyrtzen’s Word of Life organization, providing music for both the radio broadcasts and the crusade meetings.  Clayton composed several hymns...some of which are still favourites in hymn books today including “Now I Belong To Jesus.”

The hope Norman talks about in our hymn today is not a simple hope that it might not rain tomorrow...or that it might rain!  It is referring to the sure and eternal hope of our faith and future that can only be found in Jesus Christ.  Not only does this hymn contain powerful words, but you will notice that the strong movement of the melody expresses certainty and confidence in God.

Allow Norman Clayton’s hymn, MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD, be your testimony too!