‘My Times Are In Your Hand’ – A Musical Experiment

Aaron Blumer

It’s often said that the good is the enemy of the best. It’s also often said that the perfect is the enemy of the good. Both observations are true in different contexts, sort of like Proverbs 26:4-5.

In my own life, the perfect vs. good version seems more applicable. In order to finish anything, I often have to force myself to stop improving it, shrug, and say, “It’ll do, I guess.”

So, in the spirit of flawed-but-finished, I’m releasing some music into the wild today.

Discussion

Be Still, My Soul: Old Lyrics with Timeless Truths

M.R. Conrad

Lately, the words of this classic hymn have echoed in my head. The stirring melody by Jean Sebelius has become the theme music for my summer. Be Still My Soul.

As Chris Anderson argues in his book, Theology That Sticks,* the great hymns of the faith often remind us of the truths of God’s Word far longer than any book we read or sermon we hear. Let’s walk through the lyrics of Be Still My Soul and discover what Scripture passages German hymnwriter Kathrina von Schlegel (and translator Jane Borthwick) reference throughout this hymn.

Discussion

Lenten Hymns from Isaac Watts

SI Filings

“The season of anticipation begins with the Ash Wednesday proclamation, ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.’ In a world desperate to avoid reminders of mortality, nothing could sound stranger.” - Breakpoint

Discussion

Amazing Grace is 250 years old

SI Filings

Things you probably didn’t know: “1. The Library of Congress has an amazing ‘Amazing Grace’ collection…. 2. One of the verses of ‘Amazing Grace’ was stolen.” - TGC

Discussion

What Makes a Good Hymn?

SI Filings

“When we’re discussing hymns being ‘well-written,’ we’re not only referring to the lyrics but also the melody. Great melodies tend to gain staying power; they endure across generations.” - 9 Marks

Discussion

Hymn vs Song – Is There a Difference?

SI Filings

“When you read a well-crafted hymn such as When I Survey the Wond’rous Cross, you will feel the cadence, even if unaware of the melody composed for it. This is why composers can keep writing new tunes … also why many people (particularly in ages past) would read hymnals as they would any devotional book, and even delight in the hymns they’d never heard.” - C.Leaders

Discussion

Do We Really Need to Keep Singing Hymns?

SI Filings

“Young people today (I include myself in this group) aren’t looking for something new. They aren’t looking for something relevant. We’re looking for something true. Something ancient.” - C. Leaders

Discussion

Rejoicing in the New Year

SI Filings

“Třanovský knew something about suffering. He lived during the devastating Thirty-Year War, was imprisoned once, exiled twice, and forced to move several times. Three of his children died, and both he and the people under his care suffered the consequences of wars, pillaging, and pestilence. He was bedridden and in pain for eight months before going to meet his Savior.” - Ref21

Discussion