Hymns With A Message: HOW RICH I AM

Sunday, April 11, 2021

HOW RICH I AM

Do you ever wish that you would win the lottery or the Publishers Sweepstakes? Do you hope that sometime soon you will get a big inheritance? Do you long for a new job with much higher pay? Do you wish for a larger, more expensive home? Do you envy those who are rich? Probably at various times we've all thought and dreamed about being rich.

Jesus made some comments about earthly riches and treasures in Matthew 6:20-22. "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." And I might add where the stock market never crashes, interest rates on investments never drop, where taxes never increase and where expensive possessions never wear out Then he wisely concludes, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Other scriptures remind believers of the true riches which believers do have because of our relationship with Jesus. Romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Ephesians 1:6, 7 , "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace".

In previous blogs I have often shared about John Peterson (1921-2006) and his many great songs. Peterson was a songwriter who had a major influence on evangelical Christian music in the 1950s through the 1970s. He wrote over 1000 songs, and 35 cantatas. His songs are singable, and their declaration of Bible truth is clear and helpful. As President and Editor-in-Chief of Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company, he also compiled and edited a hymnal called "Great Hymns of the Faith". Quite possibly your church used this hymnal at one time.

Now I don't know why in 1956 he wrote this particular song, "How Rich I Am", but I assume that it must have been his testimony. He probably realized, as we should, how rich we really are even if we have few of this world's possessions. Since the Savior came, "redeemed my soul and turned my nigh to day". "Such peace and joy I never knew before. And countless blessings from His boundless store". How rich I am!

Romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Ephesians 3:16, 17 , 'That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, being rooted and grounded in love". Phillipians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". What more do we want or need?

So this week take time to thank Him for the riches you have through Christ Jesus. Yes, how rich we are!

How rich I am

Since Jesus came my way

Redeemed my soul and turned my nigh to day

How very rich, how very rich, I am!!!

Such peace and joy

I never knew before

And countless blessings

from His boundless store

How very rich, how very rich, I am!

There is greater glory in a sunset!

A brighter twinkle in each star!