REJOICE
25th Jun 2025
Holidays are wonderful times to relax, relate and have time to read. One of the books I read, while in Bulgaria, dealt with the challenge of believing in a good God, able to resource and heal, alongside the physical demands and emotional pain of caring for two disabled children. I was challenged and encouraged by the courage and faith of the two authors. They shared the need to live full of joy as an antidote to hopelessness, and a source of strength and faith.
I began to examine my own heart, and question how much joy am I living in? As I wake, I usually sing a hymn or worship song, pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, and then read the Bible and pray for the needs that present themselves. This morning I found myself singing an old hymn, written in 1834 by Henry Lyte -
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
I knew this first verse and looked up the words of the rest of the hymn. Henry Lyte, at one time, lived in Marazion in Cornwall, and was profoundly affected by the death of a colleague. It would seem that before his death this man had strong assurance that he was forgiven, restored, received the amazing grace of God, and found peace. Henry who later wrote this hymn was profoundly moved by the love of God towards this man. He began to read the written word of God, and his whole life was changed by involvement with the restoration of his colleague and friend.
What a lot to be thankful for. Let these words cause praise to fill up your soul, you have been Ransomed, Healed, Restored, and Forgiven by Jesus and declared a child of God. You are under His care and love, and He calls you and I to know Him and delight in Him. Paying tribute releases more joy as you recognise and verbalise His grace and kindness to you personally.
Another hymn I often sing is - “I rejoice in the goodness of my God, I rejoice in the wonder of His favour, He sets the captive free, He makes the blind to see, He gives us liberty, Hallelujah!” We have so much to thank our loving heavenly Father for. “Tribute” is defined as an act, statement or gift intended to show gratitude, respect and admiration. It also shows dependency on the person to whom tribute is made.
Praise releases joy, and joy in turn gives strength. God’s promises release hope and peace. We need these resources every moment of every day for ourselves, but also to impart to all we meet and resource them.
Henry Lyte also wrote the well known hymn, “Abide with me” which also states -
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless,
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, Thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
