IN MY HEART THERE RINGS A MELODY

As I reflect upon church music as I was growing up, there were some hymns that I loved to sing not only because of their message but because they were peppy and fun to sing. That was a sharp contrast to many of the hymns that were sung then. One of those is this week's choice, "In My Heart There Rings A Melody". Some song leaders loved to hold the first four notes/words of the chorus and then sing the remainder at an upbeat tempo. It would stick in your mind for days after having been sung on a Sunday evening. And why shouldn't that happen? However, I never could understand how some folks could sing it without a smile on their face. What a joy to know that Christ can put a melody of love in your heart and that the words can ring there despite what is happening around you. And as is so common in these older hymns, the last verse talks about heaven where the courts of glory will ring with glorious harmony. I love that thought and look forward to that day. The text and tune were written by Elton M. Roth (1891-1951). Roth was a well known musician in his day who wrote and published many anthems and over 100 hymns. It was while assisting with evangelistic meetings in Texas on a hot summer day in 1923 that the words and music for this hymn suddenly came to him. Mr. Roth recalled, "That evening I introduced the song by having more than 200 boys and girls sing it at the open air meeting, after which the audience joined in the singing. I was thrilled as it seemed my whole being was transformed into song." And ever since then, thousands of believers have joined in joyfully singing about the melody that rings in your heart because of what Christ has done for each of us. Despite your circumstances today, I hope this melody is ringing within your heart.

(1) I have a song that Jesus gave me,

It was sent from heaven above;

There never was a sweeter melody,

'Tis a melody of love.

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love!

(2) I love the Christ who died on Calv'ry,

For He washed my sins away;

He put within my heart a melody,

And I know it's there to stay.

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love!

(3) 'Twill be my endless theme in glory,

With the angels I will sing;

'Twill be a song with glorious harmony,

When the courts of heaven ring.

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love!

Listen to it here. LISTEN