But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Scriptures teach us that challenges and trials have purpose in transforming us ever more into the likeness of Jesus our Savior. When our physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens increase, God’s supply of strength increases, and perfectly synchronizes with our need. At the end of our ability to cope, the God of no boundaries will shower boundless mercy on us.
Time and again, the hymns of our faith remind us of God’s lavish provision. In preparation for twelve weeks of hymn singing this fall (an adult Sunday School option coming up), I’m blessed daily with hearing, studying, singing and celebrating the Lord in masterful hymn compositions that have withstood the passage of time; words of joy and promise, comfort and encouragement.
So many hymns evoke a lifetime of memories for followers of Jesus; songs lifted in the congregation and at the family piano, around the campfires of mission trips and at family campouts; sung acapella or accompanied by a symphony, along with every possible arrangement between. Voices raised in invocation and procession, confession, singing the scriptures, communion and doxology, in calls to missions at home and abroad. Hymns for meditation, prayer and baptism, lessons for children and youth, for robust champions of the faith and believers in their sunset years; hymns that mark the seasons of life and the holy festivals of Christendom.