NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD

Some of the stories of how and why the hymns we enjoy so much came to be written are incredible;  NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD is one of those incredible stories. 

Martin Rinkart was born in Eilenberg, Saxony in 1586.  He was the son of a poor coppersmith, but as he grew up, felt called to pastoral ministry.  After his theological training, he began his career just as the Thirty Years’ War was raging through Germany.

It was the most desperate of times, especially as the Swedish army surrounded Eilenberg.  Inside the walled city was plague, famine and fear.  People were dying.  Pastors expended all their energy caring for the sick and burying the dead until they too became ill and perished.  It came about that Martin was the last remaining pastor. 

When the Swedish army demanded a huge ransom, Martin left the safety of the city to negotiate a conclusion to the hostilities and the suffering ended.  Knowing there is no healing without thanksgiving, Rinkart composed this hymn that has been sung around the world ever since. 

The Bible encourages us that in every situation we should express our thanksgiving to God and we will know His peace.  NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD.