appreciating hymns

Regeneration and Youth180 had the second Hymn Appreciation Night on Friday. And ever since then, I think I have learned to appreciate hymns a lot more. I guess the committee's did their job with at least this girl hey? Or I should say, God did His job hehe.

Eight hymns were presented in total, with each including the story behind the hymn, or the reason why that hymn was special to them. All presenters did really well, and now every time I sing those songs, I see them in a completely new light.

I was particularly encouraged by Barry and Juanita's sharing about William Cowper (pronounced 'Cooper', not COW-per hehehe), author of 'There is a Fountain'. The story was quite touching - you can read the whole thing here. I have always loved this song, and every time I sing it, it really touches my heart. But to know that it was written by Cowper, who was just such a broken and troubled person, made me realise just how much hope and meaning Jesus gave to people like Cowper, who had little or no reason at all to hope again.

There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I,
though vile as he
Wash all my sins away

Dear dying Lamb, thy
precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are saved, to sin no more

For since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
and shall be till I die

When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing thy power to save

What beautiful words. The amazing thing is that the more you study the history of hymns, the more you realise that so many of these beautiful lyrics were written by people who were going through some serious emotional, physical, spiritual pain. God is really such an amazing God - to give His children a song in the midst of such trials is what grace is all about.