No wonder, there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundation so much that the doors of the prison flipped open, and the chains fell off for the prisoners when Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns unto God. What could have motivated Paul and Silas to praise God in such a situation? The two hymns talk about Godly care.
Introduction
The situation was not the one that called for merry-making, yet Paul and Silas turned to worship. Instead of giving in to despair, they had faith in God and we reconvened that they were in the will of God.
They knew that their suffering was temporal and could not be compared to their eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Their attitude showed that they believed that God was greater than every situation.
How often do we miss the opportunity to experience deliverance from God when we refuse to praise and sing hymns to Him, especially in difficult situations? Instead of murmuring or complaining to God, turn your challenges to praise in hymns. Instead of allowing life’s storm to overwhelm you, raise your voice and declare your majesty.
Meditation 1
When God delivered the Israelites through the miracle of parting the Red Sea, there were celebrations and gratitude to God through songs of praise and thanksgiving (see Exodus 15). People express their gratitude to God with songs because of victories over past challenges.
They share their testimonies with songs, clapping of hands, and dancing. Such an attitude shows gratefulness to God. The psalmist challenged the Israelites to sing, dance, and clap their hands for the victory that God gave them and the redemption of their souls from destruction. The Israelites are called to praise
Meditation 2
The attitude of gratefulness should be alleviated by all believers. Praising God should not be an action one is forced. It should be a voluntary action that spurs from having thought about the goodness of God.
Praise is such a weapon that could defeat enemies, and make us live triumphantly in this world. A person who understands the power of praising God knows that it could be a weapon of vengeance on the wicked. We should
Communing with God is important for every Christian. Music is a good means of doing this. Psalms are the compilations of songs that were used in places of worship. Hymns are religious songs written for adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to God.
Meditation 3
Spiritual songs are considered contemporary music that includes all lyric poetry inspired by the Holy Spirit and employed in the joyful and devotional expression of the spiritual life.
Hymns are inspirational lyrics and songs that a lot of people, especially love to listen to and sing because of the powerful inspirations and blessings embedded in them. Each of these hymns has a particular theme which is known for. In this article, three hymns have been selected to bless you in different ways.
The two hymns about praise and friendship have been reviewed to have a further taste of the hymns. An expert in hymnal songs has worked on each of them. You can listen to each of them. When you listen, sing, and learn further.
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
Praise my soul the King of Heaven
To His feet thy tribute bring,
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like Thee His praise should sing
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King!
Stanza 1
This stanza points us to the Lord as the one who is worthy to be praised. The Lord is King of Kings; Lord of the Lord. The Lord forgives our sins; He delivers us from ransom; He healed our wounds and restores us. We should praise Him always because He is the everlasting God. Listen to this video, sing, and learn the tune of the hymn.
Praise Him for His grace and favour
To Our father in distress;
Praise Him still the same forever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless:
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Glorious in His faithfulness
Stanza 2
The second stanza calls us to praise the Lord for His grace and favour. When we are in distress and affliction, let us praise Him. The Lord is today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Our Lord is slow to judge but fast to bless, praise Him for that. Praise Him! Praise Him for He is faithful and glorious, praise Him.
Father-like He tends and spares us;
Well, our feeble frame he knows,
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes;
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Widely as His mercy flows
Stanza 3
The stanza three also tells us another reason to praise the Lord. He spares us from danger like a father. The Lord knows our weaknesses and loves us for that; we should praise Him. No matter how stiff-necked we are, he holds with His gentle hands and bears with us. He rescues us from all our enemies. We should praise Him for His ending mercies for us.
We like flowers it’s petals bringing!
Blown by the wind, withered away,
While on earth or with Thee above,
Our Lord God remains unchanged!
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King
Conclusion
During the tough times when we are like petals blown by wind, the Lord takes care of us. We are like a withered tree on earth. Then the Lord remains unchanged. Let us see the reason to praise the Lord. The Lord is god and awesome; let us praise the Lord. The Lord is everlasting! Listen to the tune of the hymn again and learn further.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Stanza 1
The first stanza of this hymnal calls us to appreciate Jesus Christ as the only friend who carries our burdens. Jesus Christ bears our grief and sins all the time. But we have a privilege! The privilege we have is to take everything to God in prayer: our grief, burden, affliction, etc, there shall be peace.
Take your pain to the Lord in prayer, Jesus will bear it and give us peace. Listen to this video, sing, and the tune of the hymn.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Stanza 2
The second stanza sees Jesus Christ as someone who solves our trials and temptations! We should take our trouble to Jesus Christ, the finisher of our faith, in prayer. All Christians must be discouraged in anything but take it to Jesus Christ in prayer.
Jesus Christ is faithful to the extent he shares our sorrows. He is the friend that knows our weaknesses and brings us back to normal. Take everything to prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care
Precious Saviour, still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
He’ll take and shield thee, in His arms
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Amen.
Stanza 3
The last stanza asks whether we are weak or heavy-laden. Let us take it to the Lord in prayer to relieve you. The Lord cares for us always. He is our precious Saviour that will protect us and save us from any danger. Just take it to Jesus in prayer to save you.
The Lord will not forsake us; He is our friend who will not despise His people. Just take it to the Lord in prayer. The Lord will take care of us in His arms and find a comfortable place for us. Listen to the tune of the hymn again and learn further.
Conclusion
In this article, we have reviewed three hymns on praises and friendship. These songs remind us that we should give God praises at all times; we also learn that the only friend we ever have is Jesus Christ. We further learned that Jesus Christ is coming back to take us to heaven. Are preparing for His coming? You can read more related posts on our music page of the site.
Presented by Adedotun Emmanuel
