Power of Hymns
Though I have memorized many Scriptures in my life, it is often the lyrics to hymns that come to mind in times of trouble. This past week a friend suddenly lost her son in a tragic work accident and it was the lyrics to “It is Well” that rang through my mind. “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well; it is well with my soul.’” Those simple, yet profound lyrics send such a strong message of being content and trusting God despite the storms of life that come.
In times where I want to praise God, it is the chorus of “How Great Thou Art” that echoes through my mind as the high notes crescendo toward heaven. Regardless of the season, it is the worship part of services that often resonates the most with me and when God speaks to me. When not only does God speak to you through the words, but also connects you to the other members of the church as you join in that communal worship experience and memories of singing those songs in years past. The comfort of the weekly singing of the Doxology, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures below; praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Words we all know by heart but that reinforce the message that all we have comes from the Father.
Shelley L. Levisay
March 2020