Testimony of Hymns

For a couple of posts now I’ve been referencing Colossians and Ephesians, where Paul tells us to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We looked at spiritual songs and psalms, and now we’re going to look at hymns.

Hymns are the songs of the church. They are usually comprised of several verses and sometimes a chorus and share one of three experiences: our calling out to God, God speaking to us, or our experience of God in relationship.

I recently talked with my friend, Charlotte, to get some perspective on what hymns mean to her and others. She said that hymns speak to what you’re going through. They help her become in tune with God through the music and lyrics. A week or two before, she had the opportunity to sing in church. She had been going through a rough time and God had laid on her heart the need to be thankful even in tough times. It’s important to thank Him for everything He's done, as well as everything He is going to do. Hymns are uplifting she said, “and help to get me out of the doldrums.” She went on to say that she wrestled with her hymn choice for a week or two. In the end, the music selection just came together.

After talking with many people about their experience with hymns and hymn singing, it has become clear that they speak so well to the heart. As to a favorite hymn, Charlotte said she has too many. It depends on what’s going on in the moment. Hymns help all of us communicate to God what we’re feeling. It’s all about the message of the song.

One of the most popular and well-attended events that we do at our church are hymn sings. My husband and our pianist host one about once a month. It has been so meaningful to so many, that the ones who come return and bring friends. We’ve even had guests from other churches attend. All of us share the common need to be heard and to be seen. Through hymns we can share our testimonies which allows us to be heard and seen. These hymns are testimonies of the heart.

Not only are they important as testimonies and as communication, but they are important in a corporate setting, like church services. Singing together is comforting. We all breathe together as one, which causes hearts to beat together. Hymns promotes congregational unity and a spirit of shared theology. When you are singing and relating to the lyrics as a group, you are developing what you believe. It is proven that most people remember songs better than they remember sermons.

​Hymns also create opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth in the congregation. This is true whether your church sings old hymns or new hymns. In fact, there are many new hymns that are wonderfully articulate about our experience of God and His lovingkindness toward us. Some of my new favorites are “Christ Be In My Waking” by Stewart Townend, and “Hear the Call of the Kingdom” by Keith and Kristin Getty. And I have old familiar favorites like “In the Garden,” “Praise to the Lord,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” What hymns speak to you? How have you been changed by hymn singing? Feel free to share in the comment section on the website. I look forward to hearing from you.  
​Photo by Khadeeja Yasser on Unsplash