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Have you ever needed something steady to hold onto when everything around you was shaking? "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" might be the quietest anthem of faith ever written—not making a grand entrance, but showing up faithfully when your strength doesn't.

Unlike hymns of triumph and majesty, this beloved gospel song speaks to our deepest vulnerabilities. Born from real heartbreak when composer Anthony J. Showalter responded to two former students who had lost their wives, the hymn transforms the promise of Deuteronomy 33:27 into a melody of comfort: "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

What makes this hymn extraordinary is how it's transcended its origins to become part of our cultural fabric. From Mahalia Jackson to Alan Jackson, from The Night of the Hunter to True Grit, these simple lyrics about divine support have resonated even in secular spaces. Yet behind its cultural reach lies theological depth wrapped in the simplest language—fellowship that brings joy, a pilgrim journey made sweeter by divine companionship, and freedom from fear not because life is safe, but because God is good and walks with us.

Whatever wilderness you're walking through right now, this episode invites you to lean in—to the arms that never weaken, the promises that never fade, and the fellowship that never lets go. Join us as we discover why, generation after generation, believers have found such comfort in these simple words: "safe and secure from all alarms."

SHOW NOTES:

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns from the album Hymns of the Father from The Trinity Project.

To purchase the digital album and any or all of the amazing Reawaken Hymns worship resources for Hymns of the Father.

Lyric videos, chord charts, sheet music available for "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” can be found on Reawaken Hymns.

Acoustic version of this hymn also available from Reawaken Hymns.

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"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," a hymn so universally beloved it's often called "The National Anthem of Christendom." Join us as we trace the remarkable journey of Edward Perronet, born in 1726 to a French Huguenot pastor and associate of the Wesley brothers. Perronet's life exemplified devotion to the King he proclaimed.

We explore this hymn's global impact through moving stories it has influenced, and the musical settings that have carried these words through centuries. Verse by verse, we unpack the theological richness of this hymn culminating in the vision of eternity where every nation, tribe, and tongue will sing a new song to our Savior and "crown Him Lord of all."

At its heart, this hymn offers us profound liberation—the joy of finally laying down the crowns we were never meant to wear, surrendering what we've tried to control since the Garden. In a culture obsessed with self-glory, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" stands as a countercultural anthem and proclaims that the only true and rightful King is Jesus.

Ready to experience this majestic hymn with fresh ears and a renewed heart? Listen now and join the everlasting song.

SHOW NOTES:

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Namefrom The Hymnal Project Album EDM-Influenced Hymns, Volume 1.

Sheet music and other resources are also available for this hymn from The Hymnal Project.

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns from the album, The Trinity Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1

To purchase the digital album of The Trinity Acoustic Sessions, Vol.1

Lyric videos, chord charts, sheet music available for "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name" from Reawaken Hymns.

Modern, full band, version of the hymn are available on The Trinity Project - Hymns of the Son album.

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George Matheson sat alone on his sister's wedding night, a blind pastor abandoned years earlier by his fiancée who couldn't bear life with a blind man. In just five minutes, from this place of profound heartache, he penned one of the greatest hymns of surrender and God’s faithfulness: "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go."

This episode takes you on a journey through each verse of this extraordinary hymn, revealing how Matheson transformed personal tragedy into a theological masterpiece. We explore the paradoxical nature of Christian surrender – how giving up control leads not to loss but to gaining something far greater. When we surrender our lives, we receive them back "richer, fuller." When we yield our "flickering torch," we gain access to God's "sunshine blaze." Even in our deepest pain, we can "trace the rainbow through the rain."

What are you holding that needs to be laid down? Where have you been trying to maintain control? Join us as we explore how surrender becomes the pathway to seeing and receiving God's unfailing love that will not let us go.

SHOW NOTES:

“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” from Indelible Grace: The Hymn Sing, Live in Nashville (feat. Sandra McCracken)

Indelible Grace: The Hymn Sing, Live in Nashville is double-disc live album from the Indelible Grace Hymn Sing at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, June 30th, 2010. Check out the full album here.

Indelible Grace Hymnbook with various worship resources is available for free here.

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Surrender might be the hardest spiritual practice of all. It runs counter to everything our culture celebrates – control, self-determination, making our own path. Yet somehow, in the letting go, we find something extraordinary.

This episode explores the powerful hymn "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" – a hymn born from disappointment when Adelaide Pollard's missionary dreams crumbled in 1902. Instead of bitterness, she found profound surrender after hearing an elderly woman at their prayer service.

Drawing from Jeremiah's vision of the potter and clay, Pollard crafted verses that have guided generations through seasons of uncertainty and change.  What part of your life needs surrendering today? Where are you resisting the Potter's hands? Join us in discovering how saying "Have Thine own way" opens doors to purposes greater than we could design ourselves.

SHOW NOTES:

Have Thine Own Way, Lord performed by Songs and Everlasting Joy and can be found on their Youtube channel of the same name.

Lyrics and chord chart for "Have Thie Own Way, Lord" are available on Hymnal.net.

Hymnal sheet music can be found here from Hymnary.com.

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Join us this week as we explore the simple yet transformative hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," composed by the remarkable Helen Lemmel. We dive into her inspiring journey through music and faith, revealing how the hymn was influenced by a simple yet powerful pamphlet challenging believers to focus on Christ, not the distractions of life. This episode details the hymn’s profound messages found in deep biblical truths.

Together, we unpack the lyrics and their meanings while drawing connections to scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, reminding us that our faith in Jesus illuminates our path. Not only does this hymn provide comfort and illumination, but it also calls us to action—to share the good news of salvation with a world in need.

By turning your gaze upon Jesus, you can find renewed purpose and peace. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast and share this episode with friends who may be seeking hope and encouragement. Together, let’s share the light of Christ with others!

SHOW NOTES:

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns from the album, The Trinity Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1

To purchase the digital album of The Trinity Acoustic Sessions, Vol.1

Lyric Videos, Chord charts, sheet music available for Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus from Reawaken Hymns.

Modern, full band, version of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus available on The Trinity Project - Hymns of the Son.

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In our latest episode, we uncover the depth and beauty of "All Creatures of Our God and King," a hymn deeply rooted in the life and teachings of it's author St. Francis of Assisi. Together, we explore how this powerful hymn not only showcases the glory of the Creator through creation but also calls each of us into an act of humble worship.

Journey with us as we delve into the life of St. Francis, a man who turned away from wealth to embrace a life of humility and advocacy for the downtrodden. We'll analyze the hymn’s verses, discovering their rich theological roots and connection to Scripture, inviting us to see worship as not merely an emotional experience but a conscious decision to serve and honor God. 

This episode encourages us to lift our voices alongside nature and our fellow believers, celebrating shared faith and grace. Hit play, join the conversation, and engage with us as we learn to adore our Creator through the beauty of music and the testimony of lives transformed. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with those who you think might be inspired by it's power and truth!

SHOW NOTES:

All Creatures of Our God and King performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns from the album, The Trinity Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1

To purchase the digital album of The Trinity Acoustic Sessions, Vol.1

Lyric Videos, Chord charts, sheet music available for All Creatures of Our God and King from Reawaken Hymns.

Modern, full band, version of All Creatures available on The Trinity Project - Hymns of the Father.

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This week’s episode concludes a heartfelt exploration of the hymn "Be Still, My Soul," emphasizing its significance in a world filled with chaos and grief. With our special guest, Steve Peavyhouse, we explore personal stories and reflections, and highlight the power of stillness, community, and faith in guiding listeners through life's trials. 

Through our discussion we talk about the grief we experience and the comfort we receive from this hymn. We walk through spiritual disciplines and view them as avenues to find peace and stillness. We hear some of the personal stories of ways this hymn has spoken deeply in our lives and its ultimate promise of hope we find in what God has done for us in Christ. It’s a powerful way to conclude a beautiful discussion of this timeless hymn.

SHOW LINKS:

"Be Still, My Soul” performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns with chord charts and many other church music resources.

"Be Still, My Soul" appears on the album Hymns of the Spirit available here.

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This episode invites listeners to rediscover the comfort found in the hymn "Be Still, My Soul." Through personal stories and deep discussions, we explore the hymn's message about trusting God in life's uncertainties and the importance of remembering to preach the gospel to ourselves everyday. 

We look at the power of personal stories in our faith journeys. We discuss musical prosody and the intertwining of the music and lyrics of this hymn that produce such an emotional response for the listener.  And we connect scripture to the hymn's messages of trust and peace pointing us back to the power of the Gospel in our everyday lives.

SHOW LINKS:

Learn more about The Offering Project and check out all the artists involved in making this project come to life by going to www.offering.org

BE STILL, MY SOUL performed by Tami Neilson and Don McGlashan from the album Offering by The Offering Project ℗ 2019 Thom Music / The Offering Project

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - background piano for listener's story provided by The Hymnal Project Piano Only (Lent + Holy Week)

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Have you ever asked whether your life story is about you or part of something greater? As we kick off the third season of "The Bright Forever," we hope to illuminate the transformative power of viewing our lives as part of Jesus's grand narrative. We look at how this simple song speaks volumes and reminds us sweetness found in the precious story of our Savior.

This episode takes you on a journey through the heartfelt history of the classic hymn "Tell Me the Story of Jesus," crafted by Fanny Crosby and John Sweney. We explore their commitment to Christian education and ministry, highlighting their work in communities and the lasting impact of their hymn, which even offered solace during the tumultuous days of World War I. Through Crosby’s personal challenges and her legacy of love and encouragement, we find inspiration in the stories behind these timeless hymns and their profound impact on faith and life. Join us to celebrate the role of hymns in rediscovering Jesus's narrative in our lives.

SHOW LINKS:

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” performed by Kingdom Heirs from their album  Red Book Volume 1 © 2006 Sonlite Records

Original publishing from The Quiver of Sacred Song 1880 (image provided by The Hymnology Archive)

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I've always marveled at the power of a single hymn to uplift spirits in even the most somber moments. This season on the podcast, we've unearthed the profound stories etched into the lines of classic hymns like "How Great Thou Art," "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," and "Blessed Assurance." Join us for this Season 2 send off as we recap all the amazing episodes that made this season so spectacular.

You will love all the reminders of past episodes while also getting to enjoy bonus songs and material that didn't make it to the main episodes. From the relaxing LOFI version of The Hymnal Project's "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" to the phenomenal bluegrass performance of Southern Raised singing "Blessed Assurance," this will be an episode to remember. And if you loved last week's interview with my aunt, Faye Peavyhouse, you will love hearing some of the extra stories that didn't make it onto the previous episode.

We truly did not pull any punches for this Season Finale! As we draw this season to a close, we want to extend to each of you listening, a heartfelt thanks for joining us in this exploration of hymnody week after week! Thank you again for listening and we'll see you back here for Season 3! God bless!

SHOW LINKS:

“Arise, My Soul, Arise” from Indelible Grace Side B (Unplugged) from 2008. Performed by Matthew Perryman Jones 

For Hymn Charts and other amazing resources from Indelible Grace click here! 

 
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” from The Hymnal Project Album LOFI Hymns, Volume 1.

 
"Jesus Loves Me” from The Hymnal Project Album EDM-Influenced Hymns, Volume 2.

"Blessed Assurance” performed by Southern Raised 

 To find out more about the amazing bluegrass band Southern Raised checkout their website here.

“There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood” performed by Red Mountain Church Music from their 2003 release Depth of Mercy.   (Album credits available here)

UPDATE: THE SONGBOOK RESOURCE SITE IS CURRENTLY DOWN

Download the entire Red Mountain Church Music Songbook in PDF form click here!

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All songs used by permission.