The Bible encourages us to ‘give thanks in all things’ but what is thankfulness and why should we practice it.
To be thankful is to feel happy and grateful for something.
Giving thanks can help you to feel happier, reduce your stress, improve your sleep, and make you more resilient.
The Bible verses below and the free printable are a great tool to for you on your thankfulness journey.
1 Chronicles 16:34
Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving.
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to Yahweh according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of Yahweh Most High.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.
Psalm 106:1
Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Revelation 7:12
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Chronicles 16:8
Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:10-15
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 2:14-16
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
Ephesians 1:15-16
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:14-17
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Psalm 4:7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalm 107:21
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Colossians 2:6-7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Isaiah 12:4-5
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
1 Chronicles 29:13
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
Ephesians 5:18-20
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Psalm 75:1
Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
John 6:11
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
God’s love for us, our love for God, our love for each other.
Meditating on God’s Word and reflecting on what the Scriptures say about love will encourage you in your faith journey as you see how amazing and unconditional God’s love is.
The Bible has a lot to say about love.
The following verses and the free printable below are a great resource as you reflect on the topic of love in the Bible.
Proverbs 3:3-4
Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
1 John 4:16
We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.
Colossians 3:14
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
Ephesians 4:2
With all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.
1 Corinthians 13:13
But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love.
1 Peter 4:8
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
John 15:12
This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.
1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil.
Romans 12:10
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another.
1 John 4:12
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love, and into the perseverance of Christ.
1 John 4:20
If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
1 John 3:1
See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you.
1 John 4:8
He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.
John 15:9-10
Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all that you do be done in love.
Proverbs 21:21
He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Ephesians 4:15
But speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.
Mark 12:30
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.
Romans 13:10
Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
Want these Bible verses on Scripture cards? You can purchase from our shop below!
There are lots of women mentioned in the bible. Some of these women have names and others don’t.
We can learn from all of these women in the bible whether it be examples on how to live our lives to warnings on how not to behave.
Below is a list of women found in the Bible that have been named as well as the scriptures they are mentioned in. You could use these for a Bible Study, Bible reading plan or just chose a specific person that you would like to know more about.
I have a FREE printable at the end for you to print out and use.
Names of Women in the Bible
Abigail
1 Samuel 25:3-42; 27:3; 30:5; 2 Samuel 2:2; 3:2; 1 Chronicles 3:1
Abigail lived around 1000 BC. Her name means “father rejoices”. She was a woman who prevented David from killing Nabal and his household and David ended up marrying her.
Achsah
Joshua 15:13-19
Achsah was Calebs daughter. Caleb promised her to the man who attacked and captured Kiriath Sepher. Othniel took it and they were wed. Her name means “anklet”.
Adah
Genesis 4:19-24
Adah was one of Lamech’s wives. Her name means “adorned”.
Ahinoam
1 Samuel 14:50
Sauls wife. Her name means “brother is delight”.
Anna
Luke 2:37-38
Anna means “grace”.
Athaliah
2 Kings 11:1-20
Her name means “Yahweh is great”.
Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2
Bathsheba means “daughter of an oath”. She was Solomon’s mother and lived around 990BC.
Bernice
Acts 25
Bilhah
Genesis 29-35
Lived around 1875BC, name means “uncertain”.
Cozbi
Numbers 25; 31:15-16
Damaris
Acts 17:34
Deborah
Judges 4
Deborah means “Honeybee”, she lived around 1300BC.
Delilah
Judges 16
Delilah tricked Samson into telling her his secret about his strength. Her name means “small” or “dainty” and she lived around 1175BC.
Dinah
Genesis 34
Dorcas (Also known as Tabitha)
Acts 9:36-42
Drusilla
Acts 24:24
Jewish wife of Felix, the Roman governor of Judea.
Elizabeth
Luke 1
She was John the Baptists mother and her name means “God is my oath”.
Esther
Esther
Means “star”. Neice of Mordecai, married King Ahasuerus and saved the Jewish people.
Eunice
2 Timothy 1:5
Euodia
Phil 4:2-3
Eve
Genesis 2-3
Eve means “life giver”, she was the first woman in the Bible.
Hagar
Genesis 16 and 21
Haga means “light”. She was Ishmael’s mother.
Hannah
1 Samuel 1 and 2
Hannah became the mother of Samuel. She lived around 1125BC and her name means “grace”.
Herodias
Matthew 14:1-12
She brought about the execution of John the Baptist.
Huldah
2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34
Jael
Judges 4
Jael means “mountain goats”. She was the wife of Heber the Kenite.
Jehosheba
2 Kings 11:2 and 2 Chronicles 22:11
Jezebel
1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9
Jezebal means “un-exalted”. She was King Ahab’s wife and wanted to replace the worship of God with the worship of baal.
Jochebed
Exodus 2:1-10
Junia
Romans 16:7
Paul mentions her as “outstanding among the apostles”.
Leah
Genesis 29-33
Means “wild cow”.
Lois
2 Timothy 1:5
Lois means “better”. She was the grandmother of Timothy.
Lydia
Acts 16
Lydia lived around 50AD and the early Philippian church met in her house.
Martha of Bethany
Luke 10:38-42 and John 11
Means “lady. Sister of Lazarus.
Mary of Bethany
Luke 10:38-42 and John 11
Sister of Lazarus and Martha of Bethany.
Mary Magdalene
Gospels
Mary means “loved by Yahweh” and Magdalene means “from the town of Magdala”. She was the first to see Jesus after he rose from the dead.
Mary Mother of Jesus
Gospels
Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Mary Mother of James and Joses
Matthew 27 and 28
Mary Mother of John Mark
Acts 12
Opened her home to believers of the early church.
Mary of Rome
Romans 16:6
Michal
1 Samuel 18 and 19; 2 Samuel 3
David’s first wife.
Miriam
Exodus 2:1-10
Miriam means “loved by Yahweh”. She was Moses and Aaron’s sister.
Naomi
Ruth 1-4
Her name means “pleasantness” and she was the mother-in-law of Ruth.
Phoebe
Romans 16:1-2
Phoebe means “radiant”. She was a leader in the church.
Priscilla
Acts 18
Priscilla was married to Aquila and together supported Paul and led a house-church in Ephesus.
Puah
Exodus 1:15-21
Rachel
Genesis 29-33
Means “ewe”. Married to Jacob.
Rahab
Joshua 2 and 6 and Hebrews 11 and James 2
Rahab means “broad”. She helped the Israelites at Jericho.
Rebekah
Genesis 22 and 24
Rebekah was the mother of Jacob and Esau.
Rhoda
Acts 12:13-15
Rizpah
2 Samuel 3:7, 21:1-14
Means “glowing coal”.
Ruth
Ruth 1-4
Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi and later married Boaz. Her name means “friendship”.
Salome
Matthew 20:20-21
Sapphira
Acts 5:1-11
Means “beautiful”. Died after lying to Peter.
Sarah
Genesis 16
Her name means “Princess”. God changed her name from Sarai “Yahweh is prince”.
As believers we know it is important to spend quality time with God in prayer and reading the Bible.
But knowing we need to do it doesn’t help us to understand how we should do it.
How do I get the most out of studying God’s Word?
Where do I start? What method should I use?
There are many methods that you can try, and what works for one may not work for another.
Why not try a couple of the below suggestions and find which one suits you best.
But before you do that, lets look at what Bible study is and why we should do it.
WHAT IS BIBLE STUDY
It is as it says, Bible study is studying and analysing the Bible.
It involves taking time to read and learn about the Bible, what it means, and how it applies to our lives.
The Bible has much to teach us, about history, about God, about ourselves and the more we learn about it the more we realize how much more there is to learn.
WHY DO WE STUDY THE BIBLE
There are many different reasons people have for studying the Bible.
Some approach it from a purely academic perspective, and as a record of history.
Others may be seeking to find truth, or looking for answers, or, looking to find comfort, strength and hope during difficult times.
As believers, we study the Bible, not just for the reasons already mentioned, but as a means of growing in our faith.
It is a way of getting to know God better and to enrich our relationship with Him.
Just as with any relationship, spending time with a person is key to growing a healthy connection.
Spending time with God, in His Word is essential for knowing Him better, and understanding what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
BIBLE STUDY METHODS
There are many ways to study the Bible, and many methods used by different people.
The key is to find the method that works for you.
Try a few different methods and see which one you feel the most comfortable with and which one maximises your time spent studying the Bible.
The following are a some suggested methods for you to try:
SOAP
SOAP is a simple acronym which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer.
It is an easy to remember 4 step process for studying God’s Word.
Scripture – read and write out the Scripture you are studying
Observation – meditate on what you have read and ask God to show you something from His Word
Application – ask God to show you how you can apply His truth to your life
Prayer – write out a prayer that reflects what God has shown you
The SOAP method is a very popular one, and one which I have used myself. If you would like to know more about the SOAP method click here to read more.
TOPICAL
Doing a Topical Bible study involves studying a specific topic in the Bible.
It could be studying a word or phrase, a thought or a person, anything really where you want to follow a theme or a thread throughout Scripture.
Choose your topic and start researching. Using a Bible dictionary or concordance can help you get started and many Bibles have study tools and footnotes that can also be helpful.
Make observations and ask God to show you how you can apply the truth of what you learn to your own life.
If you would like to read more about how to do a Topical Bible study click here.
CHARACTER STUDY
The Bible is full of the lives and stories of many people and there is much we can learn from them.
When doing a character study, you choose a person you want to learn more about and start researching them.
Start by writing down all the references in the Bible that refer to that person.
Using a good Bible dictionary and concordance can be helpful in your research.
Meditate on what you discover, write down your discoveries, look at what you can learn from the person, and ask yourself what lessons you can apply to your own life.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE
There are many Bible reading plans available that can lead you through God’s Word in a year, or in two or three years.
You can choose to read the Bible from cover to cover, or you can read through it chronologically, where you follow through the Bible along an historical timeline.
There are also Bible reading plans which give both an Old Testament and a New Testament passage to read each day.
Reading through the Bible in a year can give a great overview to Scripture and, especially when reading chronologically, can give an understanding of the timeline of the history of the Bible.
It’s a different way of approaching Scripture which can open up and allow us to see God’s Word in a different light.
God’s Word is so exciting, but sometimes we can get in a rut with how we approach it, especially if we do things the same way all the time.
Try mixing things up a bit, put some creativity into your Bible study, it can be a very relaxing way to spend time in God’s Word.
You can read more about creative ways to study the Bible by clicking here, but here are a few to get you started:
Listening to Scripture
Audio versions of the Bible are readily available and a convenient and easy way to soak up the Scriptures by listening to them and it can be done anywhere anytime.
Scripture Journaling involves keeping a journal where you record the Scripture you are reading along with words, truths, verses and your thoughts about the passage.
You can use colored pencils, felt pens or highlighters to color your Bible, highlighting topics and themes throughout.
Color coding is a fun and practical way to enjoy Scripture and if you would like to know more about it click here to read more.
Draw or Paint Scripture
Expressing your thoughts and feelings about Scripture with drawings and paintings is a beautiful way to engage with God’s Word and can be a very relaxing experience.
Coloring In
Coloring in is very relaxing and a lovely way to engage with Scripture as you color words or verses, allowing time for you to meditate on them as you go. I have lots of Scripture coloring in that you can download for free from my website. Click here to check out some of them.
Use Stickers
Stickers are another fun way to enhance your Bible study time. They can be used to highlight verses, passages, and truths God is showing you. The can be used on their own or you can use them along with Color Coding your Bible and Scripture Journaling.
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY
The Inductive Bible Study method is all about making observations, interpreting those observations, and then applying them to your life.
When making observations ask yourself questions like, who is the author, when was it written, why was it written, what was the history around that time. You can write out the passage in your own words, which will help you to have a better understanding of what you are reading, and make a note of anything you may not understand or would like to follow up on. Make use of the cross references to gain further understanding as you seek to interpret the passage.
Take what you have learned and make it personal by applying the lessons to your own life and write out your application.
APPLE
The APPLE method of studying God’s Word was created by Arabah Joy and requires you to read through the passage of Scripture a number of times. The first time read through just to get an overview of what is being said. Read through the passage again a few more times and with each reading look for these:
Attributes of God on your second reading
Promises of God on your third reading
Principles for Life on your fourth reading
Lessons Learned on your fifth reading, and
Examples to Follow on your sixth reading
It is a simple way of dissecting a passage and making observations about the passage.
BY BOOK
Tackling a book of the Bible to study may seem intimidating at first, but it can be very rewarding. It is a very different approach from following a topic and can allow you to go much deeper into the Word. It will require several readings of the book to get the most out of it. It will be helpful to do some research into the background of the book and the context in which it was written.
Resources such as commentaries, Bible dictionaries and concordances can be helpful but don’t let them take the place of your own observations. As you read through the book you will want to make an outline. Often your Bible will have chapter and section headings which can assist you. Look for key words and phrases, themes and ideas and choose some key verses that stand out to you.
Write down the things you learn along the way and make an application to your life. You may even like to try committing some of your key verses to memory.
GROW
The GROW method was created by Artistic Hands of Faith and is an acronym of Greet, Read, Observe, and Write.
Greet by inviting God to be a part of your Bible study through prayer
Read through the passage of Scripture at least a couple of times, to gain an understanding of it
Observe by making observations about the things you read and anything that stood out to you
Write out the Scripture and any observations you made and then write a prayer to reflect what you have learned.
HEAR
Another acronym for studying the Bible is HEAR, created by Ladies Drawing Nigh, and it stands for His Word, Examine It, Apply It, and Respond in Prayer. This method starts with prayer, asking God that you will hear His voice.
His Word is next and requires you to read through the passage of Scripture a couple of times and then recording the verse, or verses, that spoke to you
Examine It where you observe and record two or three facts that stand out to you. For this step the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How questions can be helpful
Apply It where you personalize what you have learnt whether it’s a command to obey, a sin to confess, a promise to claim, and write it down
Respond in Prayer is where you can respond to God in prayer and talk with Him about what you have learned
REAP
REAP stands for Read, Examine, Apply, Pray and is not dissimilar to the HEAR method.
Read the passage and underline anything that stands out to you
Examine the passage by spending time reflecting on what you have read and asking yourself questions about the passage and writing down one or two key verses or points from what you have read
Apply where you can ask yourself, “What is God saying to me today”? “How will I live or act differently because of what I have learnt”? and “Is there anything in my life that I need to change as a result of what I have learnt”?
Pray to finish your time asking God to help you to live out what you have learnt
POWER
The POWER method stands for Pray, Observe, Write, Envision, Respond and was created by Kait at Love Mother Blog.
Pray before reading through the Bible passage you have chosen
Observe and ask yourself what does this teach me about God and, or, about myself
Write out a verse from the passage that has meaning to you
Envision how this can apply to your life
Respond to God in prayer, talking with Him about what you have learned
PRAISE
In this method PRAISE stands for Pray, Read, Assess, Investigate, Submit, Express.
Pray and ask God to show you what to study, ask Him to open your eyes and your heart and to enlighten you
Read the book or the passage and read it in the context of what is being said and who it is being said to
Assess and mull over the passage, the words and phrases, thinking through what they mean and how they can apply to your life
Investigate, this is where you can dig a little deeper, looking into the history, the cultures and traditions and the background of the passage, looking up words and their meanings
Submit your heart, your thoughts, your whole self to God and allow His Holy Spirit to mold you to be more Christ-like
Express and live out what you have learned so the world around you can see by your words and your life that you are a follower of Jesus
WORD
WORD stands for Write, Observe, Relevant, Declare and was created by Erika at A Symphony of Praise.
Write out the passage you are studying and then read through it a couple of times
Observe the passage and ask yourself questions about it using the 5 W’s of Who, What, Where, When and Why
Relevant is looking at how this passage relates to you, how can you make it personal, what instructions or teachings can you apply to your own life
Declare and pray God’s Word over your life, claim His promises and declare the changes you are going to make in your life from the applications you have made
FEAST
FEAST was created by Asheritah at One Thing Alone and it stands for Focus, Engage, Assess, Spark, Turn.
Focus your heart and mind on God, asking Him what He wants you to learn
Engage by reading the passage and writing it down, making observations as you do and asking yourself what it is saying
Assess the main idea of the passage and ask yourself what it meant to its original audience
Spark is asking yourself how this applies to you and asking the Holy Spirit to spark a transformation in you
Turn your heart and mind toward God and ask Him how you should respond
REST
REST stands for Read, Engage, Savor, Takeaway and was created by Kaylene Yoder.
Read a short passage of Scripture and spend time digging deeper into what it is saying. Engage with the passage by writing it out and underlining any verses that stand out to you or that you feel a connection to
Savor the passage by asking yourself questions about it, and looking into the background, history and context of it. Look up meanings and definitions of words and phrases to give you a better understanding
Takeaway is the main lesson you want to takeaway from your study time. A lesson or revelation that you want to take with you into your day to encourage yourself and to use to encourage others.
Whichever method you embrace be sure to begin with prayer.
Using resources such as Bible commentaries, Bible dictionaries and Bible concordances are helpful, but try using them as a supplement after you have made your own observations and applications, don’t allow them to overshadow what God may be saying to you.
Always look to apply the Word of God, as James 1:22 encourages us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
I love the old hymns! Don’t get me wrong I also love the more contemporary worship songs too. But there’s something about those old hymns that can be found in the Bible.
There is such a richness and depth in their words, and often they are based directly on the principles and doctrines of the Bible. Many of them were written from a deep and personal experience with God.
Hymns have stood the test of time and have been an integral part of the church and worship throughout history.
They remind us of God’s faithfulness and His grace toward us and they teach us about the fundamentals of our Christian faith.
Whilst you won’t be able to look up a Bible passage and find the words of the hymns directly in Scripture , you will be able to find words and phrases used, and the essence and the meaning behind them in Scripture.
Here are 15 of the most popular and well known hymns.
Amazing Grace
‘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’
Written by John Newton of England in 1772 and published in1779, this is possibly the most well know hymn of all time and has been used by both the religious and the secular world.
The words were written from John Newton’s personal experience. He was not a religious person growing up but called out to God for mercy when a ship he was traveling on encountered a violent storm. This marked his spiritual conversion, he went on to study theology, was ordained in the Church of England and wrote many hymns. The theme of God’s Amazing Grace is woven throughout the Bible and Ephesians 2:8-9 highlights that we are saved by God’s grace, not because of anything we can do, it is His gift to us.
The Lord is My Shepherd
‘The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want’
This Christian hymn is commonly attributed to Francis Rous and is based on Psalm 23 in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Psalm itself was written by King David around 1000BC and is one of the best known Psalms. It has been set to music many times and has the beautiful imagery of a shepherd looking after his sheep. It promotes the theme of trusting in God and God’s care and provision for us, His sheep.
To God Be the Glory
‘To God be the glory great things He has done, so loved He the world that He gave us His son’
This wonderful hymn was written by Fanny Crosby around 1872 but was not published until1875. It was popular in England and was used in DL Moody’s evangelistic crusades during 1873-1874. It became popular in the US after 1954 when it was introduced through the Billy Graham evangelistic crusades. It is believed to be based on Galatians 1:4-5 which says, ‘who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.’
How Great Thou Art
‘O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the works Thy hands have made…then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art’
How Great Thou Art was written by Carl Boberg in Sweden in 1885. Boberg wrote the hymn after a series of events one afternoon where he was caught in a storm with thunder and lightning crashing around him, the storm was over quickly and was followed by a rainbow. When he arrived home, he opened his window and looked out over the bay and the woods beyond, he listened to the sounds of the birds signing and the church bells ringing and was inspired to write this hymn based on the sights, sounds and experience of that afternoon. It is believed to be based on Deuteronomy 33:26, ‘There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies’.
What A Friend We Have in Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus….what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer’
This well known hymn was written as a poem by Irish born preacher Joseph M Scriven in Canada in 1855 to comfort his mother who was still living in Ireland. He received credit for it in the 1880’s after originally publishing it anonymously. Scriven suffered great loss and tragedy in his life by losing not one but two fiancés, one from drowning and the other through illness. These experiences moved him to help those who were disadvantaged or elderly.
John 15:14 says, ‘You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you’.
Holy Holy Holy
‘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!’
This hymn was written by the Anglican bishop, Reginald Heber in the early 1800’s but was published posthumously in 1826. The hymn refers to the Trinity and was originally written for Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost. It’s Scripture reference comes from Revelation 4:8, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!’.
It Is Well With My Soul
‘When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well, with my soul’
It Is Well With My Soul was written by Horatio Spafford and first published in 1873. He wrote these words after experiencing a number of tragedies in his life. Firstly, there was the death of his four year old son, which was then followed by his financial ruin from the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In 1873 he sent his family on ahead of him on a ship across the Atlantic Ocean where he was to follow later. The ship sank after a collision with another sea vessel and all four of his daughters died, his wife survived. Shortly after Spafford was traveling to meet up with his grieving wife, and when he passed near where his daughters had died, he was inspired to write the words to this hymn. Psalm 46:1-3 speaks of the kind of strength Spafford would have drawn from God after experiencing such deep grief and tragedy. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling.’
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
‘Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God: all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood’
This hymn was published in ‘Hymns and Spiritual Songs’ in 1707 and was written by Isaac Watts. Watts was an English Congregational Minister and is recognized as the ‘Godfather or English Hymnody’, being credited with writing over 700 hymns which have been translated into numerous languages. It is believed the inspiration for this hymn was Galatians 6:14, ‘But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world’.
Blessed Assurance
‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.’
Blessed Assurance was written in 1873 and is another hymn written by Fanny Crosby, who was blind from childhood and who wrote over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs. Fanny’s friend, Phoebe Knapp, was composing a new melody on the piano, and when she asked Fanny what she thought the tune was saying, Fanny said, ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!’, which, because of Fanny’s lyrics, also became the name of the tune. Fanny Crosby’s life of faith is reflected in this hymn and echoes Philippians 1:21, ‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’.
Crown Him With Many Crowns
‘Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne; Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own: Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless king through all eternity.’
This hymn was written in 1851 by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring. Bridges was a British-Canadian author and hymn writer and Thring was an Anglican clergyman and hymn writer. The hymn is based on Revelation 19:12 which says, ‘His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself’.
Rock of Ages
‘Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; let the water and the blood, from Thy riven side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, cleanse me from its guilt and power.’
Rock of Ages was written by the Reverend Augustus Toplady in 1763 and was first published in 1775 in The Gospel Magazine. It is believed that Toplady was inspired to write the hymn when he found shelter from a storm in a fissure in the gorge of Burrington Combe which is in the Mendip Hills in England. The fissure is now known and marked on some maps as the ‘Rock of Ages’. The inspiration for this hymn comes from Psalm 94:22, ‘But Yahweh has been my high tower, my God, the rock of my refuge’.
All Creatures of Our God and King
‘All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! O burning sun with golden beam and silver moon with softer gleam: Oh, praise Him! Oh, praise Him! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!’
This hymn was written by William Henry in 1919 and is based on a poem by St Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Sun, which St Francis wrote in 1225 and was based on Psalm 148. Verses 3 and 4 of Psalm 148 say, ‘Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you heavens of heavens, you waters that are above the heavens’.
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
‘Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!’
This hymn was originally known as ‘Hymn for Easter Day’ and was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. As the title implies Christ’s resurrection is the focus of this hymn with each verse highlighting and celebrating a different aspect of it. The Scripture references for the resurrection can be found throughout the gospels in Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-44, and John 20:1-29. Luke 24:5-7 says, ‘They said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
‘Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, to his feet your tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like you his praise should sing? Alleluia, alleluia! praise the everlasting King.’
This hymn was written by Anglican clergyman Henry Fracis Lyte and was first published in 1834. It was used in 1947 at the royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, and also as the opening hymn for former U.S. President George H W Bush in 2018. It takes it’s inspiration from Psalm 103, verses 1 and 2 say, ‘Praise Yahweh, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits’.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.’
This hymn is also known as ‘The Heavenly Vision’ and was written by Helen Howarth Lemmel. It was first published in 1918 and it’s inspiration came from a tract written by Isabella Lilias Trotter titled Focused. It is based on Isaiah 45:22 which says,’“Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other”’.
Life is not always easy, and holding on to our faith in hard times can be challenging.
Hard times are common to us all, not one of us can escape the ups and downs of life.
Knowing this though doesn’t make it any easier when we are going through them.
Whether its health problems, family or relationship problems, financial problems, or something else, going through hard times can often leave us feeling alone and isolated.
But we are never alone. God promises us in His Word that He will never leave us or abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
God’s Word even tells us that we will have problems (John 16:33), it’s part of living in a fallen world, but with this God assures us that He will also provide us with a way through them (1 Corinthians 10:13).
As believers we can find strength and comfort in our relationship with God and through His Word, knowing that He is with us no matter what we are going through.
The following verses have been an encouragement to me as I go through hard times, and I hope, that as you read through them and reflect on them, that you will find strength and encouragement in them also.
Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
Proverbs 18:10
Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this:
Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
May you know God’s peace that passes all understanding, His great strength, and His never ending unconditional love as you walk the ups and the downs of life’s journey with Him.
Hi, I'm Steph! I want to equip you with faith resources to encourage a love of Gods word in your life.
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