Truth in Hymn

I've written briefly here before about beautiful truth.  I encountered it again yesterday as we sang in worship.  Perhaps you've sung "Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings."  That happened as I sang yesterday and was struck by the truth of the words in the hymn.  I'll share those words below, but first, I wonder if this would happen more often if I was more prepared for and thoughtful in worship.  It's so easy to go through the motions of worship.  Get up, get clean, get dressed, get the kids ready, get to church (hopefully) on time, get your seat, pray, listen to scripture, sing, listen to preaching, sing, pray, talk to a few people, go home, eat lunch.  One hour later you don't remember a word you heard or sang.  That's not usually a problem with the songs or the preacher, but with our hearts.  If we're truly going to profit from it, worship requires thought.  It requires effort.  It requires preparation.  I wonder if I wasn't more careful and intentional instead of just going through the motions if I wouldn't have more moments like yesterday where i was struck with this beautiful truth.

Hail to the Lord's Anointed, Great David's greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,
To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

He comes with succor speedy To those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy, And bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying, Were precious in his sight.

He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth;
And love, joy, hope, like flowers, Spring in his path to birth;
Before him on the mountains Shall peace,the herald, go;
And righteousness, in fountains, From hill to valley flow.

O'er every foe victorious, He on his throne shall rest,
From age to age more glorious, All-blessing and all-blessed;
The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;
His Name shall stand forever - That name to us is Love.

- James Montgomery

A big thanks to Michael who lead worship yesterday for selecting a hymn that I haven't sung for quite a few years.  I hope you find the truth a blessing too.  (If you're trying to sing along in your head or out loud, the tune is the same as "The Church's One Foundation."  You can find it in the Trinity Hymnal #224.)