10 of the Most Beloved Hymns about Joy
Share
Traditional hymns offer us both musical richness, and lyrics that teach and encourage. Some directly quote Scripture, while others use verses as the basis of the message. And they all remind us of truths about God. Each song can actually become a mini-Bible study.
Some hymn writers have described the emotions that well up within their own hearts as they think of the Lord. And one of the strongest of these feelings is joy, because this deep gladness has the power to shift our thoughts and attitudes in a more positive direction that will impact not only us, but those around us.
Listening to or singing hymns brings to mind the many reasons we have to be joyful in the Lord. And studying related Scripture verses helps us to learn more about our Heavenly Father. Here are 10 well-known and loved hymns, along with some verses to read, that can all inspire us to “rejoice in the Lord, and be glad…” (Psalm 32:11).
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/People Images
1. Joy Unspeakable
“Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:20).
American minister Barney Elliott Warren, contributed to song books and hymnals, writing the words – and sometimes the music – for 2000 hymns and children's songs in his lifetime. In this piece, Warren shared his delight that we can seek and spend time in God’s presence.
“I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
How its waves of glory roll;
It is like a great o’erflowing well,
Springing up within my soul.
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory;
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Oh, the half has never yet been told.”
2. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
Henry Jackson van Dyke Jr. was an American author, educator and clergyman. He led the committee that wrote The Book of Common Worship of 1906, the first Presbyterian printed liturgy. Van Dyke Jr. here gives praise for the love and strength God provides us to grow more like His Son each day.
“Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/jacoblund
3. Amazing Grace
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
John Newton was a member of the British Royal Navy by the time he was 17 years old.
Later, as a captain, his ship transported slaves from Africa. But after turning back to God in 1748, he settled in Liverpool, England and became a preacher. Newton’s poem, “His Amazing Grace,” expressed wonder that God would save a soul that had been so rebellious as his.
“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”
4. To God Be the Glory
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, ‘The Lord is great!’” (Psalm 70:4).
Fannie Crosby was raised a Puritan, but attended many church denominations during her adult life. A talent for writing and love for God led her to compose lyrics for more than 8,000 hymns, earning her the title “Mother of congregational singing in America.” In this song, Crosby happily acknowledges the amazing gift Jesus gave us by going to the cross.
“Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.”
Photo credit: Unsplash/Denny Muller
5. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’” (Matthew 28:5-6).
Charles Wesley was a co-founder of the Methodist movement. He wrote more than 6,000 hymns for his church, including some for specific Christian holidays and festivals during the year. This particular hymn, for Easter time, overflows with elation at Jesus’ resurrection from the grave.
“Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!”
6. All Creatures of Our God and King
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts; They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty - and I will meditate on your wonderful works” (Psalm 145:4-5).
As a young man, Francis of Assisi had a vision of Jesus while in a run-down country chapel. This led Francis to later found the Monastic order of the Franciscans. Their guiding principle was “to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in His footsteps.” The words in this song show St. Francis’ recognition of the beautiful natural world around us, and a humble recognition of God as the Creator of it all.
“All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One,
O praise him, O praise him!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/jchizhe
7. For the Beauty of the Earth
“In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10).
Folliott Pierpoint was an educator in the area of Bath, England. He published poems and contributed hymns to the publication The Churchman’s Companion. This piece came to him while enjoying the view of the Avon River. Cheerful thoughts about that day grew into gratitude to God for the blessings He gives - whether through the world around us, our loved ones, or our personal relationship with Him.
“For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower,
sun and moon and stars of light
For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for a gentle thoughts and mild
Christ our Lord to you we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise”
8. How Great Thou Art
“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place” (1 Chronicles 16:27).
Carl Boberg, besides serving in the Swedish Parliament, was a writer who published collections of both poetry and hymns. On a walk one day, Boberg saw a storm quickly come up and felt inspired by the calm he saw outside afterward. He wanted to share the joy he felt at seeing this display of God’s greatness - and gratitude that the Lord uses it for our good.
“And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: ‘My God, how great Thou art!’
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Oleh_Slobodeniuk
9. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).
Thomas Chisholm spent time as a Methodist minister in Kentucky. Despite suffering with health issues throughout his life, he held a positive outlook and a deep love for serving God. He wrote this poem to express gladness that our Father in Heaven is always near, and always taking care of us, whatever we’re going through.
“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with thee
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be
Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand has provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me”
10. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
“Day and night they never stopped saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come’” (Revelation 4:8).
Reginald Heber, a church parson in Hornet, England for many years, later become the Bishop of Calcutta, India. He wrote hymns that were later collected and published by his wife. Here, Heber calls us all to worship God for His majesty, and to appreciate how far He will go to rescue us.
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty;
early in the morning our song shall rise to thee
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty;
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
Holy, holy, holy, tho’ the darkness hide Thee;
Tho’ the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see
Only Thou are holy, there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love, in purity”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/eggeeggjiew
