This hymn, a staple of worship in the church I grew up in, has a complicated history. The lyrics can be traced back to 1561. The music goes back to 1621, and was given a durable form by Johann Haydn early in the 19th century.
I don’t know how many versions of it there are now, but I hope you like this spirited modern adaptation by Chris Tomlin.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
This is Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean. The lyrics reflect the scripture of the Book of Revelation.
“What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:37)
From just about the exact middle of the King James Bible: Psalm 119, Verse 105, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Sung by Amy Grant.
I haven’t looked at the “news” yet today. So I have reported the Good News first.
I used to hate this kind of worship music. But listen to the lyrics, or read them. And observe the music’s effect on people. How can that be bad? No way! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Psalm 100:1), the Bible says. Well, that’s what Chris Tomlin is doing.
Susan, you asked for anything by Chris Tomlin–and you’ve got it.
Everybody out there, see how easy it is to request a hymn?
Chris Tomlin has built on the classic hymn, Amazing Grace, adding his composition, My Chains are Gone. They go together well, and the result is beautiful and moving. Thanks to Susan, for requesting it.
Requested by Erlene: John Starnes singing When He Was on the Cross, I Was on His Mind.
As a challenge to the spirit, try to imagine hearing the Gospel now for the very first time, never having heard a word of it before. What in our own lives can prepare us for the savagery of the Crucifixion? How are we to measure that against the pure goodness of Jesus Christ? There are some parts of this fallen world where people can imagine such things easily. We in America are blessed in that we can’t.
No–our greatest peril is to fall into the trap of taking Jesus Christ for granted. I don’t know about you, but I have to shock myself out of that from time to time.
Suggested by Lisa, Jesus, performed by Chris Tomlin.
This morning I rode my bike, did the laundry, put away all the Christmas ornaments and took down the tree, vacuumed–and I am about ready to lie down on the floor and plotz.
Yeah, I know I’ve posted this several times before–but how would you like to see 50,000 people singing this at the Inauguration ceremony? Not scripted, not planned: the hymn just breaks out. Like a volcano. Like “Let there be light!”
Crank up the volume, boys and girls. Our God is an awesome God!
I’d never heard this hymn before, but I can’t quarrel with the message: “When you can’t see His hand, trust His heart.” Sung in wonderful a capella harmony by the Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute Singers.
As a chess player who enjoys replaying the games of the masters, I often find myself totally baffled by God’s moves on the chessboard of Creation–baffled because He is God and I am not, and His game is way too high over my head. But all the same, I know they must be the right moves–whether I can understand them or not.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. –Psalm 121:1
It must be the many pictures of mountains and hills in this video that makes me think of Psalm 121. The message is pretty much the same, too.
Sweet harmony by Song of the Plains, and the beauty of God’s handiwork in nature–He Will Carry You.
As He has so many times before.