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This is hymn 4 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 4: BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE

1. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
All ye that are upright in heart;
And ye that have made him your choice,
Bid sadness and sorrow depart.

Refrain:

Rejoice, rejoice!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!

2. Be joyful, for He is the Lord,
On earth and in heaven supreme;
He fashions and rules by His word;
The Mighty and strong to redeem

3. What though in the conflict for right
Your enemies almost prevail,
God’s armies, just hid from your sight,
Are more than the foes which assail. 

4. Though darkness surround you by day,
Your sky by the night be o’ercast,
Let nothing your spirit dismay,
But trust till the danger is past.

5. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
His praises proclaiming in song;
With harp, and with organ and voice
The loud hallelujahs prolong!

BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, the hymn before us today, “Be Glad in the Lord and Rejoice,” is not merely a suggestion—it is a divine command and a spiritual weapon. In a world that offers endless reasons for anxiety and sorrow, this hymn calls us to a joy that is rooted not in our circumstances, but in the unchanging character and supreme power of our God. It is a call to choose joy based on who He is.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to actively obey the scriptural command to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). It is an act of defiant faith that lifts our eyes from our problems to our King, transforming our perspective and fortifying our hearts for spiritual conflict.

1. It is a Hymn of Heartfelt Choice (Verse 1)
The call to “be glad” is directed to a specific group: “All ye that are upright in heart… ye that have made him your choice.” This joy is the birthright of those in covenant relationship with God. It is not a shallow, fleeting happiness, but the deep-seated gladness of a heart aligned with its Creator. The command to “bid sadness and sorrow depart” is an act of the will. It is the deliberate decision, by faith, to displace despair with praise because of our chosen allegiance to Christ.

2. It is a Hymn of Sovereign Foundation (Verse 2)
Our joy has an unshakeable foundation. We are not conjuring a feeling; we are responding to reality. “Be joyful, for He is the Lord, On earth and in heaven supreme.” He is the Creator who “fashions and rules by His word,” and the Redeemer who is “The Mighty and strong to redeem.” Our joy is anchored in His absolute sovereignty and His proven power to save. The One who commands the cosmos holds our lives.

3. It is a Hymn of Unseen Reinforcements (Verse 3)
This verse speaks directly to the battles we face. When the “conflict for right” seems overwhelming and enemies “almost prevail,” the hymn reveals a heavenly truth. “God’s armies, just hid from your sight, Are more than the foes which assail.” This echoes the story of Elisha’s servant, whose eyes were opened to see the mountain full of fiery chariots (2 Kings 6:17). Our rejoicing is an affirmation that the spiritual reality—God’s overwhelming strength—is greater than the visible circumstance.

4. It is a Hymn of Steadfast Trust (Verse 4)
Here, the hymn acknowledges seasons of profound darkness—when troubles cloud our “day” and our “night” seems without a dawn. In such times, the command is not to pretend the darkness isn’t there, but to “let nothing your spirit dismay.” The key is active, persistent trust “till the danger is past.” Our gladness in the Lord is the fuel for that endurance, a light that shines in the deepest gloom because its source is eternal.

5. It is a Hymn of Triumphant Proclamation (Verse 5)
The hymn culminates in a full-throated, musical explosion of praise. Having grounded our joy in God’s nature and promises, we are now to “prolong” the “loud hallelujahs” with every instrument and voice at our disposal. This is the victory shout of a people who have looked beyond the temporal to the eternal, and have found their God utterly worthy of ceaseless praise.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Persistent Echo
The simple, doubled “Rejoice, rejoice!” is more than a lyric; it is a spiritual mantra. It is the heart’s persistent echo of the command, a reminder to continually return to the posture of gladness in God, especially when the path grows steep.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Is your heart heavy? Has sorrow, conflict, or spiritual darkness sought to dampen your spirit? This hymn is your prescribed medicine. Do not wait for your feelings to lead you; let your faith lead your feelings.

Choose to be glad in the Lord. Command your soul to rejoice in His supreme lordship. Remember the unseen armies fighting on your behalf. In your darkness, trust His faithfulness. And then, in faith—even if it starts as a whisper—lift a “hallelujah.” Proclaim His praise with your voice, for in doing so, you declare the victory of light over darkness, of God’s might over every foe.

Your joy is your testimony. Rejoice in the Lord, for He is worthy, He is supreme, and He is your strength.

In the mighty and praiseworthy name of Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 3 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 3: ANCIENT WORDS

1. Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Chorus:

Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

2. Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

3. Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ

4. Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

ANCIENT WORDS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in a world of constant change, shifting opinions, and fleeting trends, our souls crave an unchanging foundation. The hymn “Ancient Words” directs our hearts to the eternal, life-giving truth of God’s Word. This is not a song about a distant, historical document, but a celebration of the living, active, and enduring revelation of God Himself, preserved for us and entrusted to us for our journey today.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to reaffirm our trust in the Bible, to celebrate its divine origin and practical power, and to open our hearts afresh to its transforming truth. It is a declaration that in the ancient words of Scripture, we hear the present heart of God.

1. It is a Hymn of Divine Preservation and Present Relevance (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a profound truth: these are “Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world.” The Bible is not an accidental collection, but a sacred treasure intentionally guarded by God through centuries and millennia for our benefit here and now. These words do not merely contain information; they “resound with God’s own heart.” To read Scripture is to listen to the heartbeat of the Father. The prayerful cry, “Oh, let the ancient words impart,” is an invitation for the Holy Spirit to make those timeless truths living and active in us today (Hebrews 4:12).

2. It is a Hymn of Personal Transformation and Guidance (Chorus & Verse 2)
The chorus reveals the dynamic purpose of God’s Word: it is “ever true” and actively “changing me and changing you.” Scripture is not for information alone, but for transformation. It corrects, trains, and equips us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We approach it not with closed minds, but with “open hearts,”ready to be shaped. Verse 2 describes this Word as our practical sustenance: “Words of life, words of hope” that provide “strength” to endure and “help us cope.” In a world where we can feel spiritually homeless, these ancient words provide the only reliable map to guide us safely “home.”

3. It is a Hymn of Sacred Legacy and Sacrificial Cost (Verse 3)
This verse roots the Bible in the grand narrative of faith and redemption. These “Holy words of our faith” were “handed down to this age.” We are links in a mighty chain of believers who have cherished, copied, preached, and often died for this Book. They came “through sacrifice”—ultimately, the sacrifice of Christ, the Living Word, and often the sacrifice of martyrs who gave their lives to preserve it. Therefore, we are called to a posture of holy attention: “Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ.” To heed is to listen, obey, and treasure.

4. It is a Hymn of Continual Impartation (Verse 4)
The final verse is a purposeful repetition of the first, bringing us full circle. This repetition emphasizes the ongoing, daily necessity of God’s Word. Our need for it is perpetual—for every step of our “walk in this world.” It is a call to return again and again to this well that never runs dry.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling uncertain, weary, or adrift in this world? Do you crave something solid and true amidst the noise? Open the ancient words. Let them impart life to your spirit.

Come to your Bible today not as a duty, but as a seeker with an open heart. Listen for God’s own heart resounding through the pages. Let the ancient promises strengthen you, the ancient commands guide you, and the ancient story of redemption remind you of your place in God’s faithful plan.

These words are your inheritance, your daily bread, and your light for the path ahead. Do not let them sit idle on a shelf. Heed them. Cherish them. Let them change you, and trust them to guide you all the way home.

In the name of Jesus, the Word made flesh, Amen.

This is hymn 2 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 2: AMAZING GRACE

1.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.

2.Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

3. The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

4. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

5. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

6. When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

AMAZING GRACE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we come now to what is perhaps the most universally known and deeply personal hymn of the Christian faith—”Amazing Grace.” More than a song, it is a testimony in melody, a theological anchor, and a journey of the soul from the pit of despair to the pinnacle of eternal hope. This hymn does not just speak about grace; it is the cry of a heart that has been utterly transformed by it.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to remember our origin, to testify of our rescue, and to anchor our future in the unchanging faithfulness of God. It is the story of every believer, a story where grace is the beginning, the middle, and the glorious end.

1. It is a Hymn of Personal Transformation (Verse 1)
The opening line is a burst of awe: “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound.” Grace is not a dry doctrine but a sweet, life-giving reality that reaches the ears of the perishing. The confession is starkly honest—”a wretch like me.” This acknowledges the depth of our sin and the boundless reach of God’s mercy. The transformation is absolute: lost to found, blind to see. This is the miracle of the new birth (2 Corinthians 5:17), the moment the light of Christ shatters our spiritual darkness. We sing this to never forget what we were, and more importantly, who saved us.

2. It is a Hymn of Sustaining Providence (Verse 2)
Grace is not only for the moment of salvation; it is for the journey. As we look back at the “dangers, toils and snares” we have navigated—the trials, temptations, and sorrows—we see the true cause of our perseverance. It is not our own strength, but grace that has “brought me safe thus far.” And with confident hope, we declare that the same grace “will lead me home.” Our past deliverance is the guarantee of our future safe arrival.

3. It is a Hymn of Covenant Assurance (Verse 3)
Grace secures us to the promises of God. Our hope is not a fragile wish but a secure anchor, bound to the immutable “Word” of God. He is our “Shield” in every battle and our “Portion” in every season of want (Psalm 73:26). For “as long as life endures,” which is to say, always, His covenant love is our inheritance.

4. It is a Hymn of Triumphant Hope Over Death (Verses 4 & 5)
The hymn confronts our greatest earthly fear—death—and transforms it into a gateway. “When this flesh and heart shall fail,” grace does not. We will pass “within the veil” into the very presence of God, to a “life of joy and peace.” Even the final dissolution of the cosmos itself (“the earth shall soon dissolve like snow”) cannot undo what grace has accomplished. The eternal God who called us “will be forever mine.” Our security is in His eternal nature, not our temporal circumstances.

5. It is a Hymn of Eternal Glory (Verse 6)
The final verse lifts our eyes to an eternity of worship. After “ten thousand years” of shining in His glory, we are just beginning. The breathtaking truth is this: “We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.” Grace not only saves us from hell; it ushers us into an infinite, ever-fresh, ever-new ocean of joyful adoration. The song that began with a rescued wretch ends with a glorified saint, singing forever.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you burdened by the memory of your past? Look back and see the amazing grace that found you. Are you weary in the present struggle? Look around and see the grace that sustains you. Are you fearful of the future or of death? Look ahead and see the grace that promises to lead you home and welcome you into unending joy.

Sing this hymn today as your own testimony. Let it humble you and fill you with unspeakable joy. You were a wretch, but you are now a child. You were lost, but you are now held securely in the grip of grace—yesterday, today, and for ten thousand years to come.

This is your story. This is our song. Praise the Lord for His amazing, all-sufficient grace.

In the name of Jesus, the fountain of all grace, Amen.

This is hymn 1 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

1. All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.

2. Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre,
and as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
and crown Him Lord of all.

3.Crown Him, ye morning stars of light,
Who fixed this floating ball;
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might,
and crown Him Lord of all.

4. Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God,
who from His altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod,
and crown Him Lord of all.

5.Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,
ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.

6. Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line,
Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown Him Lord of all,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown Him Lord of all.

7. Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget
the wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.

8. Let every tribe and every tongue
before Him prostrate fall
And shout in universal song
the crowned Lord of all.
And shout in universal song
the crowned Lord of all

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, today we lift our eyes from our personal needs and daily battles to behold a vision of cosmic, eternal worship. “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” is not merely a hymn; it is a prophetic declaration, a heavenly summons, and a foretaste of that glorious day when every knee shall bow. This hymn expands our vision from our small corner of existence to the grand throne room of creation, where one truth resounds: Jesus Christ is Lord.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to participate in the ultimate reality of the universe—the exaltation of King Jesus. It corrects our limited perspective, silences our doubts, and aligns our hearts with the worship already echoing in heaven. It is an act of spiritual warfare that proclaims Christ’s supremacy over every power and name.

1. It is a Hymn of Celestial Proclamation (Verses 1-3)
The hymn begins not with human voices, but by commanding the angelic hosts: “Let angels prostrate fall.” It calls upon the highest orders of created beings—the “highborn seraphs” who stand before God and the “morning stars” that sang at creation (Job 38:7)—to lay down their glory before the One who “fixed this floating ball.” We are reminded that the Lord we worship is not a tribal deity, but the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. He is the source of “Israel’s might” and the conductor of the heavenly choir. The repeated refrain, “And crown Him Lord of all,” becomes a thunderous, celestial decree.

2. It is a Hymn of Redemptive Heritage (Verses 4-6)
The call to worship then sweeps through the history of redemption. It addresses the “martyrs of your God” whose ultimate testimony points to the “Stem of Jesse’s Rod” (Isaiah 11:1). It calls to the “seed of Israel’s chosen race” and the “heirs of David’s line,” anchoring Christ’s lordship in the fulfillment of prophecy. He is the promised Messiah, the “God incarnate, Man divine.” This connects our worship to the faithfulness of God across millennia—we crown the one who is the climax of all sacred history.

3. It is a Hymn of Personal and Global Surrender (Verses 7-8)
Finally, the summons becomes intensely personal and universally inclusive. It turns to “Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall.” This is us—those who remember the bitter cost of our sin (the gall) and the sweet salvation bought at the cross. Our worship is a response of grateful love. We are to “spread your trophies at His feet”—laying down every achievement, every victory, every source of pride, acknowledging that all is a gift of His grace. The hymn culminates in the vision of Revelation 7:9: “Let every tribe and every tongue before Him prostrate fall.” This is the destiny of history: a united, global chorus proclaiming Him the “crowned Lord of all.”

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Does a problem loom large in your life? Does a fear threaten to dominate your thoughts? Does a worldly power or ideology seem overwhelming? Sing this hymn. It puts everything in its proper place.

Today, let your spirit join this universal song. See yourself not as an isolated believer, but as part of a glorious procession that includes angels, martyrs, saints of old, and a multitude from every nation. In your prayer, in your quiet moment, take the crown from off your own will, your worries, and your ambitions, and place it on the head of Jesus. Proclaim with your heart, your voice, and your life that He is Lord—over your home, your work, your nation, and your eternity.

The day is coming when this hymn will be the only song. Let us sing it now with all our hearts, crowning Him in our worship, and so preparing for the day we see Him face to face.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Crown Him your Lord of all.

In the name of the King of Kings, Amen.

This is hymn 34 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 34: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

1. Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

2. Shun evil companions, bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He’ll carry you through.

3. To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown,
Thro’ faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He’ll carry you through.

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION HYMNN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, our journey of faith is not only a pilgrimage and a service; it is a daily, moment-by-moment battle. The hymn before us today, “Yield Not to Temptation,” serves as a clear, urgent, and encouraging field manual for this spiritual conflict. It does not pretend that temptation is insignificant; it faces it head-on with practical wisdom and unwavering confidence in our victorious Helper, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to fortify our resolve, to renew our spiritual warfare strategy, and to remind ourselves that victory is not only possible but promised to those who look to Jesus. It is a call to holy vigilance and active resistance.

1. It is a Hymn of Clear Warning and Cumulative Victory (Verse 1)
The opening line leaves no room for compromise: “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.” This establishes the serious spiritual reality—temptation itself is not sin, but consenting to it is (James 1:14-15). Yet, the tone is not one of despair, but of progressive triumph. “Each victory will help you some other to win.” This acknowledges that the Christian life is a series of battles where every stand we take strengthens our spiritual muscles for the next. Our strategy is threefold: fight “manfully onward” (with courage), “dark passions subdue” (by the Spirit’s power), and above all, “Look ever to Jesus.” He is not a distant observer but the one who “will carry you through.”

2. It is a Hymn of Practical Holiness (Verse 2)
True spirituality is lived out in concrete choices. This verse moves from the internal battle to external conduct. It offers practical counsel for maintaining purity:

• Guard your associations: “Shun evil companions.”
• Guard your speech: “Bad language disdain.”
• Guard your reverence: “God’s name hold in reverence.”
  It then calls for positive virtues: thoughtfulness, earnestness, kindness, and truth. Holiness is both a turning from and a turning to. And the sustaining power for all of this remains the same: a steadfast gaze upon Christ.

3. It is a Hymn of Promised Reward and Renewed Strength (Verse 3)
The hymn lifts our eyes from the present struggle to the eternal prize. It reminds us of the magnificent promise to “him that o’ercometh” (Revelation 3:21). The crown is not won by our flawless performance, but “thro’ faith we will conquer.” This is the key! Our faith, however weak, is placed in a completely strong and faithful Savior. We acknowledge we are “often cast down,” but we proclaim that “He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew.” His mercies and His power are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The Refrain: The Prayer of Dependence
The heart of our defense is in the refrain’s prayer. We do not fight in silence or isolation. We are commanded to “Ask the Savior to help you.” We ask Him for what we lack: comfort in the struggle, strength for the resistance, and His keeping power. The glorious assurance follows: “He is willing to aid you.” Our Helper is not reluctant; He is eager. Our victory is secured by His faithfulness, not our own.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you facing a familiar, stubborn temptation today? Does the battle feel wearisome, and have you felt cast down by a recent failure? This hymn is for you.

Do not yield. Do not negotiate with sin. See it for what it is, and then immediately lift your eyes. Look ever to Jesus. Stop trying to carry the battle alone and immediately pray the refrain: “Ask the Savior to help you.” He is willing. Right now.

Remember, your past victories, by His grace, have equipped you for today’s fight. Your practical choices to shun evil and pursue good create a environment where the Spirit can work. And your future is secured—a crown awaits the one who overcomes by faith in the Overcomer.

Stand firm, believer. Fight on. Look up. He will most certainly carry you through.

In the mighty name of our victorious Captain, Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 7 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 7: I AM THINE O LORD

1. I am Thine, O Lord
I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus:

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3. Oh the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

I AM THINE O LORD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, as we reflect on this tender and intimate hymn, “I Am Thine, O Lord,” we move into the quiet chamber of personal devotion. This hymn is not a shout of warfare or a march of labor, but a gentle, yearning prayer of a heart that has been captured by grace and now desires nothing more than deeper, closer communion with its Savior. It expresses the heartbeat of every believer who longs for more of Jesus.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to give voice to our holy discontent with a distant or routine faith. It is the song of a soul that has tasted God’s love and now craves the fullness of His presence. It transforms our prayer life from a list of requests into a pursuit of intimacy.

1. It is a Hymn of Secure Belonging and Holy Longing (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with the most wonderful confession a believer can make: “I am Thine, O Lord.”This is the foundation—we belong to Him by grace, purchased by His blood. We have “heard Thy voice” in the Gospel, and it spoke of love. But a true encounter with Christ’s love does not lead to complacency; it ignites a sacred hunger. The believer longs to “rise in the arms of faith” and be “closer drawn to Thee.” Our salvation is secure, yet our souls are perpetually restless, seeking deeper nearness to the One who saved us.

2. It is a Hymn of Consecrated Surrender (Verse 2)
The natural response to being drawn nearer is a desire to be used. “Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord” is a prayer of total surrender. We understand this is only possible “by the power of grace divine.” The beautiful result is a soul anchored in “steadfast hope” and a will that finds its truest freedom when it is “lost in Thine.” This is the pinnacle of discipleship: our desires merging with His, our plans dissolving into His perfect will.

3. It is a Hymn of Prayerful Communion (Verse 3)
This verse captures the sublime joy of personal devotion. It calls prayer a “pure delight,” reframing it from a duty to a privilege. The image of spending an “hour… before Thy throne” and communing “as friend with friend” reflects the breathtaking truth that the Almighty God invites us into intimate relationship (John 15:15). This is the source of our strength and the wellspring of our joy—knowing we can approach not just a King, but a Friend.

4. It is a Hymn of Hope-Filled Expectation (Verse 4)
The hymn ends with a sober yet glorious recognition: our communion here, as sweet as it is, is still partial. There are “depths of love” we cannot yet fathom and “heights of joy” we cannot yet scale. But this is not a note of despair, but of triumphant hope! It points us to our eternal home, “till I cross the narrow sea” and “rest in peace with Thee.” Our present drawing nearer is a foretaste of the perfect, unbroken fellowship that awaits us in glory.

The Chorus: The Heart’s Constant Cry
The repeated chorus is the soul’s perpetual prayer: “Draw me nearer… to Thy precious, bleeding side.” Our closeness to God is always measured by our nearness to the cross. It is at the place of His sacrifice that we understand His love, receive our cleansing, and find the magnetic center that pulls our hearts away from sin and self, and into fellowship with Him.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Has your spiritual life felt routine? Have you felt a gentle, holy tug on your heart, a sense that there must be more than this? That is the very voice this hymn embodies. You belong to Him. Do not ignore that longing; embrace it as a gift from the Spirit.

Today, in your quiet moment, make this hymn your prayer. Tell the Lord you are His. Ask Him to draw you nearer to the reality of the cross. Surrender your will afresh to His service. Seek the pure delight of a few unhurried minutes in His presence, talking to Him as your dearest Friend.

And be encouraged: every step you take in response to this longing brings you deeper into His love now, and prepares you for the indescribable depths and heights you will know when you finally see Him face to face.

Answer the call. Seek His nearness.

In the name of Jesus, our Friend and Savior, Amen.

This is hymn 30 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.

[Refrain]

3. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in our journey of faith, we often seek complex formulas for victory and peace. This beloved hymn, “When We Walk With The Lord,” cuts through all complexity and reveals the beautiful, simple, and powerful secret to a life filled with God’s glory, presence, and joy. It is a hymn that lays out the fundamental rhythm of the Christian life: a walk of trusting faith that results in loving obedience.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to remind ourselves of the inseparable link between faith and action, and the blessedness that flows from aligning our will with God’s. It is a call to practical, daily discipleship that leads to deep, soul-satisfying happiness.

1. It is a Hymn of Illuminated Fellowship (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by painting a picture of intimate companionship: “When we walk with the Lord.” This is not a distant following, but a side-by-side journey. The condition for this fellowship is walking “in the light of his word.” God’s Word is the lamp that illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105), and as we walk in its truth, He “sheds glory on our way.” The promise is profound: as we actively engage in “his good will,” we experience His abiding presence. Faith and obedience are not sequential; they are two sides of the same coin. We trust Him enough to obey, and in obeying, we find Him faithful, which deepens our trust.

2. It is a Hymn of Proven Delight (Verse 2)
This verse introduces a crucial spiritual principle: some of the deepest joys of God’s love are experiential and can only be known through surrendered obedience. “We never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay.” The “favor” and “joy” He promises are reserved for those who move beyond mere intellectual assent to a place of full surrender. It is in the act of laying down our rights, our plans, and our treasures that we discover the far greater treasure of His delightful presence. The blessing is found on the other side of surrender.

3. It is a Hymn of Intimate Companionship (Verse 3)
The result of this life of trust and obedience is a relationship of beautiful intimacy. We are promised “fellowship sweet,” where we can either rest contently “at his feet” like Mary, listening and learning, or actively “walk by his side” like the disciples on the Emmaus road. This intimacy breeds a heart that says, “what he says we will do, where he sends we will go.” This is not a burden but a loving response. And the final encouragement is for the fearful heart: “never fear, only trust and obey.”

The Refrain: The Unchanging Principle
The timeless refrain is the cornerstone of the hymn: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” This is not a restrictive rule, but a liberating truth. Happiness (or blessedness) in Christ is not found in perfect circumstances, accumulated wealth, or worldly success. It is found in the secure, dependent, and obedient relationship with our Savior.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you searching for happiness and purpose today? Does your path seem dark or uncertain? The Lord is inviting you into a simple, yet profound, exchange.

Bring your fears, your plans, and your will to the altar. Choose to walk in the light of His Word, even when you don’t understand the full path. Make the decision to do what He has already clearly said in Scripture. As you take that step of obedience, you will prove His delights for yourself. You will find Him walking beside you, shedding glory on your way.

The Christian life is not a mystery to be solved, but a Person to be trusted and a will to be surrendered. Choose today to walk in the simple, powerful, and happy way of trust and obey.

In the faithful name of Jesus, Amen.