favorite things: hymns

I love hymns. Absolutely love them. (Some more than others, of course!) And I imagine it would be interesting to hear what those of you who are reading this think of when you hear the word hymns. Some of you might agree with me. Or you might be thinking of slow, tired music played on an organ.

This post got me thinking about what qualifies as a hymn anyway. Webster's simply defines a hymn as "a song of praise to God" or "a metrical composition adapted for singing in a religious service" or "a song of praise or joy." That definition includes a breadth of music - old & new, different styles, various lengths, etc.

When I think of hymns, I do for the most part think of some of the songs that have been part of Christian worship for many years. And the songs I tend to classify as hymns typically are those with some "umph" to them - some theological depth that connects to our real-life experiences. They include words that encourage, challenge, convict, comfort, & correct me. So many hymns (both old & new) have played a significant role in my own faith journey.

This past Sunday, we sang a familiar favorite, It Is Well with My Soul. I love that despite the fact that I have sung that song probably hundreds of times in my life, I was struck with something new. The "even so" phrase in the last verse has always felt a little odd to me. Spafford is talking about Jesus' coming return in the final two verses, and he concludes his thoughts with, "Even so, it is well with my soul." I usually think that it would make more sense to say, "I can't wait! It is well with my soul." Or "Praise the Lord! It is well with my soul."

On Sunday, a new thought occurred to me as we were singing - whether it's what Spafford meant, I don't know. I heard the "even so" as an expression of the already, but not yet of this earthly life. The last two verses articulate the longing we have for Christ's return - the anticipation & hope. And the "even so" gives voice to the waiting - "even though He's not here yet, it is well with my soul." Amen. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

It Is Well with My Soul
Horatio Spafford, 1873

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

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.