April 29, 2026
The church’s most treasured hymns, whether centuries old or written last year, endure because they do one thing faithfully: they lift our eyes from ourselves and fix them on the glory, goodness, and nearness of God. Praise is not just something we offer; it is something God uses to reshape our hearts.
Across generations, cultures, and denominations, Christians naturally turn to song when words alone feel inadequate. The Bible teach us to:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
Praise isn’t about entertainment, it’s about shaping us, declaring truth, letting go, and finding joy. The hymns we sing over and over, whether written centuries ago or just yesterday, become the playlist to our journey of faith.
Some hymns have become “favorites” not because they are nostalgic, but because they tell the truth beautifully and boldly.
“How Great Thou Art” – A hymn that lifts our eyes to creation, redemption, and the coming glory of Christ. It teaches us awe.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” – Rooted in the words of Lamentations 3, it reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning, even when our circumstances are not.
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – A call to remember God’s sustaining power in every season.
These hymns last, I remember reading, "because they offer us words of praise strong enough for hardship and wide enough to hold joy."
I’m so grateful that God continues to inspire His people with new songs. In recent decades, a new group of hymn writers has emerged, blending rich theology with modern language and melodies.
I think of:
“In Christ Alone” (Getty/Townend) – It could almost be considered a modern creed set to music, proclaiming Christ’s victory from birth to resurrection.
“Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” (CityAlight) – this is a song that is "gospel-rich" and focuses on a theme of dependence and hope.
These newer hymn/songs connect with us because they speak the language of today while carrying the weight of timeless Biblical truth.
I believe the staying power of many songs/hymns of praise, whether old or new, is the result of the fact that when we sing these we are doing more than expressing emotion. We are:
Rehearsing the gospel
Reordering our desires
Reaffirming God’s character
Rejoining the global and historic church
Releasing our burdens into God’s hands
Recently, I read the following quote: "Praise isn’t about escaping reality; it’s about aligning with it. It’s the Spirit tuning our hearts to match the rhythm of God’s kingdom."
Maybe you have a hymn that has carried you through grief. Maybe you have a modern worship song that awakened your faith again. Maybe you have a chorus that our congregation sings with tears in our eyes.
These songs are gifts.
“In Christ Alone” (Getty/Townend) – It could almost be considered a modern creed set to music, proclaiming Christ’s victory from birth to resurrection.
“Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” (CityAlight) – this is a song that is "gospel-rich" and focuses on a theme of dependence and hope.
These newer hymn/songs connect with us because they speak the language of today while carrying the weight of timeless Biblical truth.
I believe the staying power of many songs/hymns of praise, whether old or new, is the result of the fact that when we sing these we are doing more than expressing emotion. We are:
Rehearsing the gospel
Reordering our desires
Reaffirming God’s character
Rejoining the global and historic church
Releasing our burdens into God’s hands
Recently, I read the following quote: "Praise isn’t about escaping reality; it’s about aligning with it. It’s the Spirit tuning our hearts to match the rhythm of God’s kingdom."
Maybe you have a hymn that has carried you through grief. Maybe you have a modern worship song that awakened your faith again. Maybe you have a chorus that our congregation sings with tears in our eyes.
These songs are gifts.
"God meets us in melody.
God strengthens us through harmony.
God forms us through lyrics that preach to our souls."
Let's Pray
Lord, thank You for the songs that have shaped Your church. Thank You for the hymns that have carried saints before us and the new songs You are still giving today. Tune our hearts to praise You, not only with our voices, but with our lives. Make our worship honest, joyful, and rooted in Your truth. Amen.
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