Victorious Christian Living in the Hymns

Christian living is challenging but God in His goodness and mercy has made it easy and light for us. He has had opened the way to an abundant and victorious life through and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christian living in the hymns - These are hymns to use in personal devotion time.Christian Living in the Hymns


Christian Living in the Hymns

Throughout history, the hymns of the Christian faith have served as anchors for the soul in times of trial. These hymns, often born out of profound suffering, reflect a deep trust in God. They are reminders that, even in our darkest hours, the Lord is near, guiding and comforting His people. Behind many of these beloved hymns are stories of faithful men and women who walked the Christian life through tragedy and hardship, leaving us treasures to lean on when life's storms rage.

Faith Though Tragedy: The Stories of Hymn Writers

Take, for example, Horatio Spafford, the author of the timeless hymn "It Is Well with My Soul." Spafford, a successful lawyer and devout Christian, suffered immense loss. First, he lost his four-year-old son to illness. Then, much of his business was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. But the deepest blow came when all four of his daughters perished in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic. As he later crossed the same waters, Spafford penned these words:

"When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul." 

How could he write such words?

Spafford knew the truth of Scripture. His faith rested on the promises of Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Another example is Fanny J. Crosby, a prolific hymn writer who was blind from infancy. Despite her physical limitations, Crosby wrote thousands of hymns, including "Blessed Assurance." Her life was not free from trials, yet her faith shone through: "This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long."

Crosby's confidence in God's sovereignty echoed the words of Psalm 34:1: "I will bless the Lord at all time; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."


Hymns on Christian Living for Life's Seasons

Hymns on Christian living do more than tell the stories of their writers - they meet us in our own stories.

  • In time of grief: "Abide with Me" by Henry Lyte is a hymn often sung at funerals. Written as Lyte faced his own death from tuberculosis, its words bring comfort to those mourning: "I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have not weight, and tears not bitterness." This reflects Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."
  • In seasons of betrayal or loneliness: Joseph Scriven's hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" reminds us of the unchanging faithfulness of Christ: "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! Wha a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!" This hymn draws from 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
  • In trials of faith: "How Firm a Foundation" assures believers of God's unfailing promises: "Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid." These words are rooted in Isaiah 41:10; "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."


Victorious Christian Living Through Hymns

The lives of these hymn writers - and the words they left behind - teach us how to live victoriously, even in hardship. Victory in the Christian life does not mean the absence of trials. Instead, it means walking through trials with a steadfast faith that rests on God's promises.

Victory through trust in God's sovereignty

The hymn "How Firm a Foundation" is a declaration of trust in God's unchanging character: 

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake."

When believers face hardships, we can stand firm knowing that God will never abandon us. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Victory through worship and praise

When life is hard, singing hymns becomes an act of defiance against despair. Consider Paul and Silas, who sang hymns in prison after being beaten (Acts 16:25). Their worship led to deliverance and the conversion of their jailer. Similarly, singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness" reminds us of God's unchanging goodness:

"Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!"

Victory through prayer

Joseph Scriven's "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" reminds us of the power of prayer:

" Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!"

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

How Hymns Shape Our Daily Walk

Hymns are not just for Sunday worship; they are tools to shape how we live each day. They align our hearts with biblical truths and draw our attention back to God, no matter what we are facing. 

Here are some practical ways to live victoriously through hymns:

  1. Start each day with a hymn: Singing or reading hymns like "Morning Has Broken" or "Great is thy Faithfulness" sets a tone of gratitude and dependence on God
  2. Turn to hymns in trying times: When faced with difficulties, hymns like "Be Still My Soul" or "Nearer, My God to Thee" can remind you of God's presence and plan.
  3. Share hymns with others: Encouraging a struggling friend with the words of a hymn or singing together can build up their faith. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
  4. Meditate on hymn lyrics: Reflect on a hymn's meaning and tie it to Scripture. For example, the line from "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," "And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace," echoes the call of Hebrews 12:2 to fix our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

More Hymns on Christian Living 

As we meditate on these touching lyrics penned from the heart of each hymn writer, may we take courage and learn to cast our cares on Jesus, our Redeemer and Lover of our soul. Be assured that He cannot fail us because He is who He said He is.

  • John 8:32 - "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
  • John 8:36 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
  • John 10:9 - "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture."
  • John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.
  • John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Living Victoriously in Christ

Victory in the Christian life is not about escaping pain but overcoming it through faith in Christ. As we face trials, hymns give us language to worship, pray, and persevere. They remind us of the victory Christ has already won for us.

1 Corinthians 15:57 declares: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let these hymns be your companions on the journey. Let their truths shape your responses to life's challenges. And as you sing, may your heart echo their message: Christ is your refuge, your strength, and your song.

What hymn will you choose to carry you through this season? Sing it boldly, knowing that God is faithful to sustain you.


The Simple Christian Life

Visit my 'A-Simple-Christian.com' website for more personal articles on the Christian life. That is my personal website/blog on my own understanding of living for Christ day by day for God's glory. 

For example; click here to go to the article 'The Christian Life Does Not Need & Should Not Be a Constant Struggle'.


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