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This is hymn 50 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 50: CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE

1. Conquerors And Overcomers Now Are We,
Thro The Precious Blood Of Christ We’ve Victory
If The Lord Be For Us, We Can Never Fail,
Nothing ‘Gainst His Mighty Pow’r Can E’er Prevail.

Refrain:
Conquerors Are We, Through The Blood Of Jesus,
God Will Give Us Victory, Through The Blood Of Jesus,
Thro The Lamb For Sinners Slain,
Yet Who Lives And Reigns Again,
More Than Conquerors Are We,
More Than Conquerors Are We.

2. In The Name Of Israel’s God We’ll Onward Press,
Overcoming Sin And All Unrighteousness;
Not To Us, But Unto Him The Praise Shall Be,
For Salvation And For Blood Bought Victory.

3. Unto Him That Overcometh Shall Be Given,
Here To Eat Of Hidden Manna Sent From Heav’n,
Over Yonder He The Victors Palm Shall Bear,
And A Robe Of White, And Golden Crown Shall Wear.

CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we conclude this series of reflections with a triumphant anthem of victory. “Conquerors and Overcomers Now Are We” is not a hymn of future hope alone, but a bold declaration of our present spiritual reality in Christ. It is a song of identity, reminding us that because of the Cross and the empty tomb, we are not fighting for victory, but from a position of victory already secured. This hymn instills holy confidence and directs all glory to the Lamb who makes us “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to boldly proclaim our identity in Christ, to strengthen our resolve in spiritual warfare, and to fix our eyes on the eternal reward that awaits the faithful. It is a hymn for the battle-weary saint, a rallying cry that our struggles are not in vain because the decisive war has already been won by our Champion.

1. It is a Hymn of Present Identity and Unassailable Power (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a powerful statement of fact: “Conquerors and overcomers now are we.”This is our current status, not a future aspiration. The source of this victory is singular and precious: “thro’ the precious blood of Christ.” Our confidence is then rooted in the ultimate promise of God’s presence: “If the Lord be for us, we can never fail” (Romans 8:31). No enemy, circumstance, or spiritual force “can e’er prevail” against the one whose life is hidden in the mighty power of God. We stand not in our strength, but in His sovereign alliance.

2. It is a Hymn of Active Warfare and Divine Glory (Verse 2)
Our identity as conquerors is not passive. We are called to “onward press,” to actively engage in overcoming “sin and all unrighteousness.” We press on in the authority of “the name of Israel’s God,” the covenant-keeping, victorious Lord. However, the hymn carefully guards against pride. The moment we claim victory, we must deflect the glory: “Not to us, but unto Him the praise shall be.” The victory is entirely His achievement—a “salvation and… blood-bought victory” that we merely walk in by grace.

3. It is a Hymn of Promised Reward and Eternal Honor (Verse 3)
This verse connects our present overcoming with future, glorious rewards promised in Scripture. It echoes Christ’s words to the churches in Revelation: “Unto him that overcometh…” (Revelation 2:17). The promises are profound:

• Present Sustenance: To eat of “hidden manna”—the deep, satisfying communion with Christ that the world knows nothing of.
• Future Vindication: To bear the “victor’s palm”—the symbol of triumphant endurance.
• Eternal Honor: To be clothed in a “robe of white” (purity and righteousness) and crowned with “golden crown” (authority and honor in His kingdom).
  Our faithful overcoming on earth is met with gracious reward in heaven.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Victorious Shout
The refrain is the explosion of praise that this truth creates. We are conquerors through one specific means: “the blood of Jesus.” Victory is God’s gift to us through that same blood. We celebrate the paradox of the “Lamb for sinners slain, yet who lives and reigns again,” and we ascend to the glorious peak of the New Testament promise: we are not just conquerors, but “more than conquerors” through Him who loved us.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling defeated by a habitual sin, a persistent fear, or a seemingly impossible circumstance? This hymn commands you to remember who you are.

You are not a victim; you are a victor. You are an overcomer. Not because of your willpower, but because of the precious blood of Christ and the fact that the Lord Almighty is for you. Today, take your stand on that truth. Press onward against sin in His mighty name. When you gain ground, give Him all the praise.

And as you fight, lift your eyes. See the hidden manna of His presence sustaining you now. See the victor’s palm, the white robe, and the crown that await you. You are fighting from victory, toward a reward. So, stand firm, press on, and proclaim with confidence: Through the blood of Jesus, more than conquerors are we!

To the Lamb who was slain and who lives to make us conquerors, be all glory forever. Amen.

This is hymn 49 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 49: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

1. Standing On The Promises Of Christ Our King,
Thro’ Eternal Ages Let His Praises Ring:
Glory In The Highest, I Will Shout And Sing,
Standing On The Promises Of God.

Refrain:
Standing, Standing,
Standing On The Promises Of God My Savior;
Standing, Standing,
I’m Standing On The Promises Of God.

2. Standing On The Promises That Can-Not Fail,
When The Howling Storms Of Doubt And Fear Assail
By The Living Word Of God I Shall Prevail,
Standing On The Promises Of God.
[Refrain]

3. Standing On The Promises I Now Can See
Perfect, Present Cleansing In The Blood For Me;
Standing In The Liberty Where Christ Makes Free,
Standing On The Promises Of God.
[Refrain]

4. Standing On The Promises Of Christ, The Lord,
Bound To Him Eternally By Love’s Strong Cord,
Overcoming Daily With The Spirit’s Sword,
Standing On The Promises Of God.
[Refrain]

STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in a world of uncertainty, shifting opinions, and unstable foundations, the child of God has been given an immovable place to stand. This vibrant hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God,” is a declaration of confidence, a strategy for warfare, and a testimony of security. It directs us away from the sinking sand of our circumstances and feelings to the solid rock of God’s covenantal promises in Christ.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to affirm our active faith in the reliability of God’s Word, to fortify ourselves against spiritual attack, and to celebrate the stability and victory that come from basing our entire life on what God has said. It is a hymn of defiance against doubt and a proclamation of triumph through truth.

1. It is a Hymn of Eternal Praise and Present Position (Verse 1)
Our standing is not on a philosophy, but on a person and his pronouncements: “the promises of Christ, our King.” This position of security is the very grounds for our eternal praise—“Thro’ eternal ages let His praises ring.” Because His promises are yea and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20), our praise can be confident and ceaseless. The act of “standing” is the posture of faith that actively receives and relies upon what God has spoken. We glory, shout, and sing from this secure foundation.

2. It is a Hymn of Unfailing Assurance in Spiritual Storms (Verse 2)
This verse tests our foundation against life’s fiercest gales: “the howling storms of doubt and fear.” When these assail, the character of the promise is our defense: they “cannot fail.” Our prevailing power is not found in positive thinking, but in the “living Word of God” (Hebrews 4:12)—the active, powerful, and eternal truth that silences lies and calms the soul. In the storm, we do not retreat; we stand firmer on the specific promise that counteracts the specific fear.

3. It is a Hymn of Present Cleansing and Glorious Liberty (Verse 3)
Here, the hymn makes our standing intensely personal and present. We don’t just stand on future hopes, but on present realities. We can “see”—have assurance of—“perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me.” This is the promise of forgiveness and purity, right now. From that cleansing flows “liberty where Christ makes free.” Our standing is on the promise of freedom from sin’s guilt, power, and condemnation (John 8:36).

4. It is a Hymn of Bound Security and Daily Conquest (Verse 4)
Our standing is not a cold, legal transaction; it is the fruit of a loving, eternal union. We are “Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord.” This secure relationship equips us for daily conflict. The “Spirit’s sword,” which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), is our weapon for “overcoming daily.”Our daily victories in holiness and spiritual warfare are achieved not by our strength, but by wielding the very promises upon which we stand. The promise and the weapon are one and the same.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Steadfast Confession
The repeated, emphatic “Standing, standing” is more than a lyric; it is a confession of faith, a mantra for the soul under pressure. It reaffirms our choice and our position: we are planted on the promises of God our Savior.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you facing a storm of doubt, fear, or circumstance that threatens to sweep you off your feet? This hymn calls you to plant yourself—to consciously, deliberately stand—on a specific promise of God.

Open His Word. Find a promise that speaks to your need. It may be a promise of His presence (Hebrews 13:5), His provision (Philippians 4:19), His cleansing (1 John 1:9), or His peace (John 14:27). Choose to stand on it. Declare it against the howling wind. Wield it as your sword against the enemy’s lies.

You are bound to Christ by love. His promises cannot fail. So, stand firm today, not on your own resolve, but on the eternal, unfailing, living promises of your King. From that position, your praise will ring out, and your victory is sure.

Stand firm in the Lord.

In the name of Jesus, the Amen to all God’s promises, Amen.

This is hymn 48 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 48: PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR

1. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,
Hear My Humble Cry;
While On Others Thou Art Calling,
Do Not Pass Me By.

Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear My Humble Cry;
While On Others Thou Art Calling,
Do Not Pass Me By.

2. Let Me, At Thy Throne Of Mercy
Find A Sweet Relief;
Kneeling There In Deep Contrition,
Help My Unbelief. [Refrain]

3. Trusting Only In Thy Merit,
Would I Seek Thy Face;
Heal My Wounded, Broken Spirit,
Save Me By Thy Grace. [Refrain]

4. Thou, The Spring Of All My Comfort,
More Than Life To Me,
Whom Have I On Earth Beside Thee?
Whom In Heaven But Thee? [Refrain]

PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, while many hymns celebrate the joy of salvation, this heartfelt plea, “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour,” gives voice to the soul in its moment of desperate longing and holy fear. It is the prayer of one who sees the grace of God at work in others and, feeling their own deep need, cries out to be included. This hymn teaches us that the doorway to Christ’s presence is not self-confidence, but a humble, persistent cry for mercy.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to express our utter dependence on God’s grace, to combat the fear of being overlooked by God, and to model the posture of humble, persistent prayer. It is a hymn for the seeker, the struggling believer, and anyone who feels their spiritual poverty. It reminds us that our Savior is “gentle” and hears the humble cry.

1. It is a Hymn of Urgent, Personal Appeal (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a cry born from observation and fear. The singer sees Christ’s work in others—His calling, His blessing—and is gripped by a holy terror of being missed. “While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.” This is not a demand, but a “humble cry.” It acknowledges God’s sovereign freedom to call whom He will, yet pleads for inclusion. The doubled address, “Saviour, Saviour,” intensifies the personal, pleading nature of the prayer. It is the prayer of the blind beggar Bartimaeus on the roadside, refusing to be silenced (Mark 10:47-48).

2. It is a Hymn of Seeking Relief and Honest Struggle (Verse 2)
The soul knows where the answer lies: at the “throne of mercy.” We come not to a throne of judgment, but of grace, to find “sweet relief” (Hebrews 4:16). The posture is one of “deep contrition”—a genuine sorrow for sin. Yet, in beautiful honesty, the prayer includes a cry that every believer understands: “Help my unbelief.” We acknowledge that even our faith is weak and needs the strengthening hand of the very Savior we are seeking (Mark 9:24).

3. It is a Hymn of Rejecting Self and Trusting Merit (Verse 3)
Here, the theology of the plea is made clear. We approach “Trusting only in Thy merit.” We bring no resume, no personal worthiness. Our only plea is the finished work of Christ. The requests are profound: first for inner healing (“Heal my wounded, broken spirit”), and then for ultimate salvation (“save me by thy grace”). The healing of the spirit and the saving of the soul are both works of His grace alone.

4. It is a Hymn of Christ as Supreme Treasure (Verse 4)
The plea culminates in a declaration of Christ’s supreme worth. He is not just a means to an end; He is the end itself. He is the “spring of all my comfort” and “More than life to me.” The soul, having sought Him, now realizes His incomparable value. The rhetorical questions—“Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?”—echo Psalm 73:25, affirming that God alone is the soul’s ultimate portion and desire, both now and forever.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you feel passed by? Do you see God’s blessing in the lives of others while you struggle with need, doubt, or a sense of spiritual distance? This hymn gives you the language for your prayer.

Do not silence your cry. Bring your humble plea to the gentle Savior. Be honest about your unbelief, your brokenness, and your complete lack of merit. Cling only to His.

Remember, the very fact that your heart cries out to not be passed by is evidence of the Spirit’s work within you. The gentle Savior stops for the one who cries. Come to the throne of mercy today. He will not pass by a seeking, contrite heart.

Cry out to Him. He is listening.

In the name of Jesus, our Gentle Savior and Merciful High Priest, Amen.

This is hymn 47 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 47: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

1. 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!

2. Holy, Holy, Holy,
All The Saints Adore Thee,
Casting Down Their Golden Crowns
Around The Glassy Sea;
Cherubim And Seraphim
Falling Down Before Thee,
Which Wert And Art
And Evermore Shalt Be.

3. Holy, Holy, Holy,
Though The Darkness Hide Thee,
Though The Eye Of Sinful Man
Thy Glory May Not See,
Only Thou Art Holy;
There Is None Beside Thee,
Perfect In Power, In Love,
And Purity.

4. Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God Almighty!
All Thy Works Shall Praise
Thy Name, In Earth And Sky, And Sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful And Mighty!
God In Three Persons,
Blessed Trinity.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we now stand before a hymn that is universally recognized as the supreme song of adoration to the Triune God. “Holy, Holy, Holy” is not merely a hymn; it is theology set to music, a vision of heavenly worship opened to earth. Based on Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:3) and the throne-room scene of Revelation (Revelation 4:8), it lifts our hearts to join the unceasing chorus of creation and the hosts of heaven in declaring the primary, overwhelming attribute of God: His Holiness.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to engage in the highest occupation of the creature: the worship of the Creator for who He is in His transcendent purity and power. It recalibrates our perspective, humbles our pride, and fills us with awe for the “Blessed Trinity.” It is traditionally the first hymn of many services, rightly placing God’s nature at the foundation of our gathering.

1. It is a Hymn of Dawn and Doctrine (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with the eternal cry of heaven: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” This triple invocation is a scriptural formula signifying the supreme, intensifying holiness of God and is a profound allusion to the Trinity. We are invited to make this heavenly praise our first earthly priority: “Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.” Worship is to be our dawn. The verse then balances God’s awe-inspiring attributes: He is both “Merciful and Mighty.” His holiness does not make Him unapproachable because it is tempered with mercy. The verse culminates in the great mystery of our faith: “God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity.” Our worship is directed to the One God who exists in the eternal community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. It is a Hymn of Heavenly Worship (Verse 2)
Our gaze is drawn to the throne room. “All the saints adore Thee,” casting down their hard-won crowns—a symbol of ultimate submission and the acknowledgment that all glory belongs to God alone. The “glassy sea” speaks of transcendent peace and purity before His throne. We are joined by the highest orders of angels, “Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before Thee.” Their eternal song affirms God’s timeless nature: “Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.” To sing this is to join the eternal present of heavenly worship.

3. It is a Hymn of Human Limitation and Divine Uniqueness (Verse 3)
This verse brings a sobering and humbling truth. Our fallen state creates a barrier: “Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see.” Sin has blinded us to the fullness of His radiance. Yet, this in no way diminishes the truth: “Only Thou art holy; There is none beside Thee.” His holiness is absolute, unique, and incomparable. It is “perfect in power, in love, and purity.” Even when we cannot see Him clearly, His nature remains the objective reality. Our worship is an act of faith in what is true, even when veiled.

4. It is a Hymn of Universal Praise and Culminating Doxology (Verse 4)
The hymn concludes by declaring that this praise is the destiny of all creation. “All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth and sky, and sea.” The cosmos itself is a testament to His holiness. The final lines resoundingly repeat the opening themes—His might, His mercy, and the mystery of the Trinity—sealing the hymn as a perfect circle of praise that begins and ends in the same glorious truth.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you feel the weight of the ordinary, the petty, or the sinful? This hymn is your transport to the throne room.

Let the “Holy, Holy, Holy” break over your soul like waves, cleansing your perspective. Humble yourself with the saints and angels; cast your anxieties, achievements, and crowns before Him. Acknowledge that your sin-darkened eyes see only a glimpse, but by faith, adore the God who is Perfect in Power, Love, and Purity.

Make your day an extension of this hymn. Let its truth be the first thought of your morning and the last of your night. For you are called to join the everlasting song that echoes from the angels to the apostles, from the church on earth to the church in glory: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord!

This is hymn 46 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 46: O LORD MY GOD WHEN I’M IN AWESOME WONDER

1. O Lord My God,
When I In Awesome Wonder,
Consider All The Worlds Thy Hands Hath Made
I See The Stars,
I Hear The Rolling Thunder,
Thy Pow’r Thro’out
The Universe Displayed:

Refrain:
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!

2. When Through The Woods
And Forest Glades I Wander,
And Hear The Birds
Sing Sweetly In The Trees;
When I Look Down
From Lofty Mountain Grandeur
And Hear The Brook
And Feel The Gentle Breeze;

3. 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 Burdens Gladly Bearing,
He Bled And Died
To Take Away My Sin

4. When Christ Shall Come
With Shouts Of Acclamation,
And Take Me Home,
What Joy Will Fill My Heart!
Then I Will Bow
In Humble Adoration,
And There Proclaim,
My God, How Great Thou Art!

O LORD MY GOD WHEN I’M IN AWESOME WONDER HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, few hymns capture the full sweep of Christian worship as majestically as “How Great Thou Art.” It is a panoramic journey that moves from the awe of general revelation in nature to the wonder of special revelation in redemption, culminating in the hope of glory. It teaches us that true worship is the soul’s inevitable, eruptive response to the overwhelming evidence of God’s power, love, and grace.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a spirit of awe, to connect the beauty of the world with the glory of the Gospel, and to express our deepest gratitude and hope. It is a hymn that expands our vision of God from Creator to Saviour to Coming King, compelling our souls to sing.

1. It is a Hymn of Cosmic Awe and Divine Power (Verse 1)
Worship begins with observation and contemplation. “When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made.” The hymn calls us to stop, look, and listen—to see the stars, hear the thunder, and perceive the displayed power throughout the universe. This is not a distant, impersonal force, but the handiwork of a personal God. The sheer scale and power of creation provoke a sense of holy awe that demands a response. That response bursts forth in the refrain: the soul cannot stay silent but must sing directly to “my Saviour God” the truth it has beheld: “How Great Thou Art!”

2. It is a Hymn of Intimate Beauty and Sensible Grace (Verse 2)
God’s greatness is not only in cosmic power but also in intimate detail. The evidence shifts from the thunderous to the tender: the sweet song of birds, the grandeur of mountains, the murmur of a brook, the caress of a breeze. In the quiet of the woods, we see His beauty, hear His melody, and feel His gentle presence. His greatness encompasses both majesty and mercy, strength and sweetness. All of creation, from the vast to the minute, points to the artistry of a great and good God.

3. It is a Hymn of Sacrificial Love and Personal Redemption (Verse 3)
Here, worship reaches its deepest intensity as we move from creation to the cross. “And when I think…” The greatest wonder is not a starry sky, but a divine sacrifice: “That God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die.” The soul is overwhelmed (“I scarce can take it in”) by the personal love revealed: Christ bore my burdens and died to take away my sin. The Creator’s power and the world’s beauty are now eclipsed by the Saviour’s love. This is the heart of the Gospel, and it makes His greatness infinitely personal.

4. It is a Hymn of Glorious Hope and Eternal Acclamation (Verse 4)
The hymn culminates by fixing our eyes on the future. The same great God who created and redeemed will consummate His plan. The thought of Christ’s return “with shouts of acclamation”to “take me home” fills the heart with ultimate joy. Then, in His very presence, our earthly songs of awe will find their perfect fulfillment: “Then I will bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, ‘My God, how great Thou art!’” Our worship here is a rehearsal for the eternal anthem of heaven.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

What fills your vision today? Is it a problem, a worry, or the noise of life? This hymn calls you to a holy interruption.

Go outside. Look up. Consider His handiwork. Let creation preach to you of His power and care. Then, move your gaze inward to the cross. Think. Ponder the unbearable cost He paid for you. Let your heart struggle to “take it in.”

And as you do, do not suppress the song. Let your soul sing it out, even if it’s a whisper: “How great Thou art!” Let this be your prayer, your praise, and your perspective. For you are loved by the God who hung the stars, painted the woodlands, and sent His Son to die. One day, you will see Him face to face, and you will know—fully and finally—just how great He truly is.

Then sings my soul!

In the name of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.

This is hymn 45 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 45: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Our Shelter From The Stormy Blast
And Our Eternal Home

2. Under The Shadow Of Thy Throne
Thy Saints Have Dwelt Secure
Sufficient Is Thine Arm Alone
And Our Defence Is Sure

3. Before The Hills In Order Stood
Or Earth Received Her Frame
From Everlasting Thou Art God
To Endless Years The Same

4. A Thousand Ages In Thy Sight
Are Like An Evening Gone
Short As The Watch That Ends The Night
Before The Rising Sun

5. Time, Like An Ever-Rolling Stream
Bears All Its Sons Away
They Fly Forgotten, As A Dream
Dies At The Opening Day

6. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Be Thou Our Guard While Trouble Last
And Our Eternal Home

O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in the face of life’s transience, the rise and fall of nations, and our own fleeting days, the soul cries out for an anchor. This magnificent hymn, “O God, Our Help In Ages Past,” answers that cry by directing our faith to the only unchanging reality: the eternal God Himself. Based on Psalm 90, it contrasts the brief span of human life with the everlasting nature of our Creator, offering profound comfort and unshakable hope to every generation.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to gain an eternal perspective, to calm our fears in times of personal and global turmoil, and to anchor our souls in the God who exists outside of time. It is a hymn for funerals, for national crises, and for any moment we feel overwhelmed by change and mortality. It reminds us that our security is not in our own strength or the stability of our times, but in the everlasting arms of God.

1. It is a Hymn of Personal and Collective Refuge (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by declaring God’s dual role throughout time: He is our “Help in Ages Past” and our “Hope for Years to Come.” He is not a relic of history, but the continuous source of aid and the ground of our future confidence. He is both a “Shelter from the Stormy Blast” in life’s tempests and our ultimate destination—“our Eternal Home.” From the very start, we are placed in the context of God’s enduring care across all generations.

2. It is a Hymn of Sovereign Protection (Verse 2)
This verse paints a picture of perfect security. To dwell “Under the Shadow of Thy Throne” is to live under the direct protection and authority of the King of the universe. There, His people are “secure.” Our confidence lies not in armies or alliances, but in the sufficiency of “Thine Arm alone.” In a world of failed defenses, His is the one defense that is absolutely “sure.”

3. It is a Hymn of God’s Eternal Nature (Verse 3)
Here, the hymn zooms out to the cosmic scale to establish God’s transcendence. He existed “Before the hills in order stood.” He is the uncaused Cause, the Creator of all frames and forms. His defining attributes are His timelessness and immutability: “From Everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.” He is without beginning or end, and His character does not shift or evolve (Malachi 3:6). This is the bedrock of our trust.

4. It is a Hymn of Divine Perspective on Time (Verses 4 & 5)
These verses humble us by presenting time from God’s viewpoint. “A thousand ages” of human history are, to Him, “like an evening gone,” as brief as the watch of a night guard. Human life is portrayed with poignant brevity: we are carried away by time’s “ever-rolling stream,” and we fly from memory “forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.” This is not to despair us, but to rightly size our lives against the backdrop of eternity, making us cling all the more to the Eternal One.

6. It is a Hymn of Concluding Petition and Trust (Verse 6)
The hymn returns to its opening theme, now turned into a prayer. We reaffirm God as our past help and future hope, and we make our present petition: “Be Thou our Guard while troubles last.” We acknowledge that trouble is temporary (“while troubles last”), but His guardianship is what we need within it. And we reaffirm our ultimate destination: He is, and will be, “our Eternal Home.” The prayer accepts the reality of life’s storms but places them within the greater reality of God’s eternal, sheltering presence.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you anxious about the future, mourning the past, or feeling insignificant in the vast flow of time? This hymn calls you to lift your eyes above the fray.

Look to the God who was your help in your parents’ age, in your youth, and will be your hope in all your tomorrows. See your brief life cradled in His everlasting arms. Let the storms rage—you are under the shadow of His throne. Let generations pass—He remains the same.

Today, take refuge in your Eternal Home. Let the unchanging nature of God be the peace that steadies your heart in a changing world. For our times are in His hands, and our end is secure in Him.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.

In the name of the Everlasting Father, Amen.

This is hymn 44 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 44: DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

1. Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus
Daily Let Me Go;
Higher, Higher In The School Of Wisdom,
More Of Grace To Know.

Refrain:

Oh, Deeper Yet, I Pray,
And Higher Ev’ry Day,
And Wiser, Blessed, Lord,
In Thy Precious, Holy Word.

2. Deeper, Deeper! Blessed Holy Spirit,
Take Me Deeper Still,
Till My Life Is Wholly Lost In Jesus,
And His Perfect Will. [Refrain]

3. Deeper, Deeper! Tho’ It Cost Hard Trials,
Deeper Let Me Go!
Rooted In The Holy Love Of Jesus,
Let Me Fruitful Grow. [Refrain]

4. Deeper, Higher, Ev’ry Day In Jesus,
Till All Conflict Past,
Finds Me Conqu’ror, And In His Own Image
Perfected At Last. [Refrain]

DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, the spiritual life is not static; it is a dynamic journey of continual growth and increasing intimacy. This stirring hymn, “Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus,” is the prayer of a heart that refuses to be content with shallow faith or stagnant knowledge. It is a cry for progression—to move daily further into the depths of love, the heights of wisdom, and the practical fruitfulness that comes from being rooted in Christ.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to express our holy discontent with spiritual complacency and to pray for continual growth in grace. It is a hymn of aspiration, surrender, and endurance, acknowledging that the path to deeper life in Jesus requires daily pursuit, the Spirit’s work, and often, the refining of trials.

1. It is a Hymn of Daily Pursuit and Dual Growth (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a clear, active desire for progression. The direction is inward and upward: “Deeper… in the love of Jesus” and “Higher… in the school of wisdom.” This is not a one-time request but a “daily” commitment to press forward. We seek both the experiential intimacy of love and the intellectual and practical knowledge (“more of grace to know”) that comes from being taught in God’s school. The Christian life is both a heart’s romance and a disciplined education.

2. It is a Hymn of Spirit-Led Surrender (Verse 2)
The agent of this deepening is the “Blessed Holy Spirit.” We cannot drill down into divine love by our own effort. We must pray for Him to “Take me deeper still.” The ultimate goal of this deepening is profound surrender: “Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus, and His perfect will.” To be “lost” in Jesus is to find our true identity, purpose, and freedom. It is the dissolution of our self-will into the joyful obedience of aligning with His perfect purpose.

3. It is a Hymn of Costly Growth and Fruitful Living (Verse 3)
This verse introduces a sobering but vital truth: growth often comes through difficulty. “Tho’ it cost hard trials, deeper let me go!” The deepening process may involve pruning, testing, and challenges that root us more firmly. Yet, the purpose is not pain, but productivity: being “Rooted in the holy love of Jesus” so that we may “fruitful grow.” Trials drive our roots deeper into His love, which in turn produces the lasting fruit of the Spirit (John 15:5, Galatians 5:22-23).

4. It is a Hymn of Ultimate Victory and Glorious Completion (Verse 4)
The hymn lifts our eyes to the finish line. The daily pursuit—“Deeper, higher, ev’ry day in Jesus”—has an end: when “all conflict past.” The one who has been deepened and refined will be found a “conqu’ror” through Christ. The final, glorious goal is our conformity: to be perfected “in His own image at last” (Romans 8:29). Our daily prayer for depth is, in fact, a prayer for our eventual Christ-likeness in glory.

The Refrain: The Persistent Prayer
The refrain is the heartbeat of the hymn—a repeated, yearning cry for “deeper yet” and “higher ev’ry day.” It emphasizes that this wisdom and blessing are found specifically “in Thy precious, holy Word.” The Bible is the medium through which the Spirit deepens our love and heightens our understanding.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you spiritually comfortable? Has your faith settled onto a plateau? This hymn is a trumpet call to go further.

Do not be afraid to pray, “Deeper, deeper.” Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you beyond your current experience of Christ’s love. Embrace the lessons in His school of wisdom, even when the curriculum is challenging. Understand that trials are not signs of His absence, but tools for your deepening. Let every circumstance drive you deeper into His love and higher into His truth.

Make this refrain your daily prayer. Open His precious Word and ask Him to root you, teach you, and shape you. For the journey deeper into His love is the path to becoming like Him, and there is no higher calling.

Deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day.

In the name of Jesus, whose love is an endless ocean and whose wisdom is an infinite height, Amen.

This is hymn 43 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 43: LEAD US HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US

1. Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us
O’er The World’s Tempestuous Sea;
Guard Us, Guide Us, Keep Us, Feed Us,
For We Have No Help But Thee,
Yet Possessing Every Blessing
If Our God Our Father Be.

2. Saviour, Breathe Forgiveness O’er Us;
All Our Weakness Thou Dost Know;
Thou Didst Tread This Earth Before Us,
Thou Didst Feel Its Keenest Woe;
Lone And Dreary, Faint And Weary,
Through The Desert Thou Didst Go.

3. Spirit Of Our God, Descending,
Fill Our Hearts With Heavenly Joy,
Love With Every Passion Blending,
Pleasure That Can Never Cloy;
Thus Provided, Pardoned, Guided,
Nothing Can Our Peace Destroy.

LEAD US HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, the Christian life is a journey, a pilgrimage from grace to glory. This hymn, “Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us,” is the perfect prayer-song for the traveler. It beautifully addresses each person of the Trinity, acknowledging the unique role of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in guiding, forgiving, and filling us on our way. It is a comprehensive plea for divine help from start to finish.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to entrust our entire journey—past, present, and future—into the hands of God. It is a prayer for guidance, protection, forgiveness, and spiritual joy, recognizing that every need of the pilgrim is met by the specific ministry of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

1. It is a Prayer to the Father for Sovereign Care (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by acknowledging our vulnerability and God’s sovereignty. We are on a “world’s tempestuous sea,” a place of danger and uncertainty. Our cry is to the “Heavenly Father” for comprehensive care: to “Lead Us… Guard Us, Guide Us, Keep Us, Feed Us.” This covers direction, protection, instruction, preservation, and sustenance. The confession “we have no help but Thee”is not a cry of despair, but of faith—it is the realization that true and sufficient help is found in Him alone. The verse concludes with a stunning truth: despite our felt need, we are already rich, for in possessing God as our Father, we possess “every blessing” (Ephesians 1:3).

2. It is a Prayer to the Saviour for Empathetic Forgiveness (Verse 2)
Turning to Jesus, the prayer focuses on our past and present frailty. We ask the “Saviour” to “breathe forgiveness o’er us,” a gentle, pervasive image of cleansing grace. Our confidence in His forgiveness is rooted in His profound empathy: “All our weakness Thou dost know.” He is not a distant judge but a fellow traveler who “didst tread this earth before us” and felt its “keenest woe.” He knows the “lone and dreary, faint and weary” path of the desert because He walked it perfectly. Because He understands, we can boldly ask for His ongoing mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

3. It is a Prayer to the Spirit for Internal Joy (Verse 3)
Finally, we pray to the “Spirit of our God” for our internal transformation and future hope. We ask Him to fill us not with temporary happiness, but with “heavenly joy”—a deep, spiritual delight that transcends circumstances. This joy is the result of His “love with every passion blending,”sanctifying our affections, and giving “pleasure that can never cloy”—satisfaction that never fades or disappoints. The hymn ends by summarizing the work of the Trinity: we are provided for by the Father, pardoned by the Son, and guided by the Spirit. Therefore, “nothing can our peace destroy.” Our security is complete.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling lost on a tempestuous sea? Are you burdened by weakness and failure? Does your heart lack true, lasting joy?

Let this hymn be your prayer today. Address the Heavenly Father and ask Him to take the helm and provide. Go to your empathetic Saviour, confess your weakness, and receive His forgiving, understanding grace. Then, invite the Holy Spirit to descend and flood your heart with the joy and love that only He can give.

You are not a wanderer; you are a pilgrim with a Triune Guide. You have been provided for, pardoned, and are being guided. Nothing in this world can ultimately destroy the peace of a soul entrusted to such a God. Walk on in confidence.

Lead us, O Triune God, from the desert to our eternal home.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

This is hymn 42 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 42: WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

1. Wonderful Story Of Love;
Tell It To Me Again;
Wonderful Story Of Love;
Wake The Immortal Strain!
Angels With Rapture Announce It,
Shepherds With Wonder Receive It;
Sinner, O Won’t You Believe It?
Wonderful Story Of Love.

Refrain:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful!
Wonderful Story Of Love!

2. Wonderful Story Of Love,
Though You Are Far Away;
Wonderful Story Of Love;
Still He Doth Call Today;
Calling From Calvary’s Mountain,
Down From The Crystal Bright Fountain,
E’en From The Dawn Of Creation,
Wonderful Story Of Love.

3. Wonderful Story Of Love:
Jesus Provides A Rest;
Wonderful Story Of Love;
For All The Pure And Blest,
Rest In Those Mansions Above Us,
With Those Who’ve Gone On Before Us
Singing The Rapturous Chorus,
Wonderful Story Of Love.

WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we have come full circle to a story so profound, so beautiful, and so powerful that our souls can never hear it enough. This hymn, “Wonderful Story of Love,” is an anthem of fascination and invitation. It calls us to marvel at the greatest story ever told—the Gospel—and to respond to its call, whether we are hearing it for the first time or the thousandth. It is the story that angels marvel at and the only one that can truly give rest to the human soul.

Why We Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a heart of perpetual wonder at the Gospel, to keep the majestic truth of God’s love fresh in our minds, and to extend its universal call to every listening ear. It is a hymn of awe, evangelism, and eternal hope.

1. It is a Hymn of Insatiable Wonder and Urgent Invitation (Verse 1)
The hymn opens not with a statement, but with a plea: “Tell it to me again!” This reveals a heart that never tires of the core truth of the faith. It is the “immortal strain”—the eternal melody of redemption that never fades. The verse then captures the heavenly and earthly response to this story: “Angels with rapture announce it” (1 Peter 1:12) and “Shepherds with wonder receive it.”The greatest beings and the humblest alike are captivated. But the hymn does not linger on the past; it makes a direct, personal appeal to the present: “Sinner, O won’t you believe it?” The wonderful story demands a response.

2. It is a Hymn of Universal Call and Timeless Proclamation (Verse 2)
This verse powerfully declares that no one is beyond the reach of this love story. “Though you are far away… Still he doth call today.” The call is not confined to a moment in history; it echoes through time and space. It originates from the pivotal point of human history—“Calvary’s mountain”—where love was proved. It flows from the “crystal bright fountain” of grace and forgiveness opened by His sacrifice. Remarkably, it reaches back even “from the dawn of creation,” revealing that this plan of redeeming love was set in motion before the world began (Ephesians 1:4). It is a story that has always been and always will be.

3. It is a Hymn of Promised Rest and Eternal Chorus (Verse 3)
The wonderful story has a destination: “Jesus provides a rest.” This is the rest from the weariness of sin and striving, found only in Him (Matthew 11:28). It is a rest not just for the “pure and blest,”but for all made pure and blessed by His blood. This rest culminates in the “mansions above,” in the joyful reunion of the great cloud of witnesses, where we will join the unending, “rapturous chorus” of the redeemed. The story that begins with a call ends with a celestial song of praise.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Only Response
The exclamatory refrain—“Wonderful! Wonderful!”—is the only fitting reaction to such a story. It is a cascade of worship, a simple yet profound confession that the Gospel of love is the most wonderful reality in the universe.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Has the story become routine to you? Has the glorious truth of the Gospel lost its luster in the grind of daily life? This hymn is your antidote. Ask the Lord to tell it to you again. Wake up the immortal strain in your own heart. Let the Spirit rekindle your wonder at the love that called from Calvary to save you.

And if you are that one feeling “far away,” hear the call that still sounds today. It is calling for you. The fountain of grace is still flowing. Believe this wonderful story of love.

Let your life today be captivated by this story anew. And let your heart begin its rehearsal for the eternal chorus, singing with joy: Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful story of love!

In the name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our wonderful story, Amen.

This is hymn 41 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 41: JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL

1. Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All,
Hear Me, Blest Saviour, When I Call;
Hear Me, And From Thy Dwelling
Place Pour Down The Riches Of Thy Grace;

Refrain:
Jesus, My Lord, I Thee Adore;
Oh Make Me Love Thee More And More.

2. Jesus, Too Late I Thee Have Sought;
How Can I Love Thee As I Ought?
And How Extol Thy Matchless Fame,
The Glorious Beauty Of Thy Name?
[Refrain]

3. Jesus, What Didst Thou Find In Me,
That Thou Hast Dealt So Lovingly?
How Great The Joy That Thou Hast Brought
So Far Exceeding Hope Or Thought!
[Refrain]

4. Jesus, Of Thee Shall Be My Song,
To Thee My Heart And Soul Belong;
All That I Have Or Am Is Thine,
And Thou, Blest Saviour, Thou Art Mine.
[Refrain]

JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this profoundly intimate hymn, “Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All,” is a personal prayer of love, wonder, and total surrender. It moves beyond doctrinal confession into the realm of passionate, personal devotion. Every line is addressed directly to Jesus, making it less a song sung about Him and more a prayer breathed to Him. It captures the soul’s journey from an awestruck call for grace to a final, settled declaration of mutual belonging.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a heart of deep, personal love for Christ, to express our wonder at His unmerited favor, and to reaffirm our total consecration to Him. It is a hymn for private devotion that expands our vision of Jesus from Savior to our supreme Treasure, our All-in-All.

1. It is a Hymn of Loving Address and Dependant Plea (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a four-fold title for Jesus that ascends in intimacy and supremacy: “My Lord, My God, My All.” He is our Master, our Deity, and our Everything. This total claim leads to a total plea: “Hear Me.” We ask not just for things, but for the essence of His being—“the riches of Thy grace.” The refrain then reveals the ultimate goal: not just to receive grace, but to respond with ever-increasing love. “Oh Make Me Love Thee More And More” is the central prayer of the spiritual life, acknowledging that even our love for Him is a gift He must supply.

2. It is a Hymn of Humbled Awe and Inadequate Praise (Verse 2)
Faced with the majesty of Christ, the soul is overwhelmed by its own inadequacy. The cry “Too late I Thee have sought” expresses a holy regret for years spent without Him, and a sense that a lifetime is insufficient to love Him as He deserves. The questions—“How can I love Thee as I ought? And how extol… the glorious beauty of Thy Name?”—are not rhetorical despair, but the humble acknowledgment that our best efforts fall infinitely short of His worth. It is the prayer of a heart that has seen His beauty and feels the poverty of its own devotion.

3. It is a Hymn of Wondering Grace and Unfathomable Love (Verse 3)
This verse turns from our effort to His initiative. In a moment of stunning wonder, the soul asks, “What didst Thou find in me, That Thou hast dealt so lovingly?” There is no answer, for there is nothing in us to merit it. This is the mystery of electing, redeeming love. The focus is entirely on the “joy” He has brought—a joy so profound it exceeds all human “hope or thought.” Our love for Him is a response to being astounded by His love for us (1 John 4:19).

4. It is a Hymn of Eternal Theme and Reciprocal Possession (Verse 4)
The hymn culminates in a resolution of the soul. Jesus will be the eternal subject of our “song.”Our internal being—“heart and soul”—belongs to Him. Then comes the complete surrender: “All that I have or am is Thine.” This is the logical response to Him being our “All.” The final line seals the relationship with a promise that is both our pledge and our comfort: “And Thou, blest Saviour, Thou art mine.” This is the covenant embrace—we are His, and He is ours (Song of Solomon 2:16). Our “All” has given Himself to us.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you know Jesus as your “All”? Or is He one priority among many? This hymn invites you into a love relationship where He becomes your central focus, your greatest treasure, and your dearest friend.

Come to Him today with the prayer of this hymn. Admit your love is weak and plead, “Make me love Thee more and more.” Be astonished again that He, the glorious God, chose to deal lovingly with you. Let that wonder melt your heart.

Then, make the deliberate offering: “All that I have or am is Thine.” Hold nothing back. And rest in the glorious, secure truth of His promise: you belong to Him, and He, the blest Saviour, is yours.

Let this be your prayer, your song, and your settled truth today and forever.

Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All.

In the all-sufficient name of Jesus, Amen.