Welcome!  Hymns have been and continue to be a real source of inspiration to me.  My desire in this blog is to share special hymns with my readers hoping that the words will minister to them, especially in times of great personal need.  If one of these hymns ministers to you, please take time to leave a comment so that I know that my blog is helping others as much as it helps me. Sometimes I will also provide a link where you can go to hear the hymn played.  So, please join me here each week and sing along as we praise God together.

Sunday, December 11, 2022

SOMETHING WORTH LIVING FOR

          It is so sad to hear of a person who chooses suicide to end a life that appears to him to be hopeless.  And just as sad are those who choose to murder innocent people before taking their own life.  And we read of these tragedies almost daily in today's world where for many death seems to be the only escape from their shattered lives.
          But what a joy to discover the Savior that can mend hearts and give one something to live for.  Something more than my yesterdays.  Something more than wealth or fame.  Something worth living for!
          
The text of this song was written by William Dale Oldham, who was born in 1903, in Oklahoma to William H. Oldham, a minister in the Church of God, and his wife Myrtle.  His father had composed some music, and singing was important in the home.  Dale first became involved as an evangelistic song-leader who travelled with various preachers in their meetings.  Then he became a minister in the Church of God, serving first in Kentucky, beginning in 1925.
          After moving around to numerous places, Oldham came in 1945 to the Park Place Church of God in Anderson, IN,  and he remained there as minister until 1962.  Shortly after his arrival, a student at Anderson College who was a member at Park Place and worked at a local radio station suggested the possibility of a national radio program.  Thus, in January of 1947, the first airing of "The Christian Brotherhood Hour" was broadcast from radio station KGGF in Coffeyville, KS.  Oldham served as speaker, a role which he continued until 1968.  By 1962, the program was being carried on more than 260 stations, in 44 different states, and a dozen international stations. 
          The tune (Something More) for "Something Worth Living For" was composed by William James "Bill" Gaither (b. 1936).  The song was first published in 1967 by Gaither Music Company.  After a battle with cancer, Oldham died in March of 1984 at the age of 81.  Dale was the father of gospel singer Douglas Reed "Doug" Oldham (1930-2010).
          The final verse of this song reminds us that the Lord gives joy to the guilty soul who has been healed.  "Oh, the joy of sins forgiven, 
there's nothing the same as before; My life overflows since Jesus came and gave me something worth living for!"  What a contrast to the hopelessness that so many are dealing with today.
          What about you dear friend?  Have you experienced the new life and joy that Jesus can provide for you or are you living with hopelessness and despair.  Trust Jesus today, then you will have something worth living for
Life was shattered and hope was gone, 
crushing the load that I bore;
Then out of the depths I cried,
 "O God, give me something worth living for!" 
Something more than my yesterdays,
 more than I had before;
Something more than wealth or fame, 
He gave me something worth living for! 

There, with life at its lowest ebb, 
who could heal and restore?
Then He came and mended my broken heart, 
He gave me something worth living for!
Something more than my yesterdays,
 more than I had before;
Something more than wealth or fame, 
He gave me something worth living for! 

Oh, the joy of sins forgiven, 
there's nothing the same as before;
My life overflows since Jesus came 
and gave me something worth living for! 
Something more than my yesterdays, 
more than I had before;
Something more than wealth or fame, 
He gave me something worth living for! 
Something worth living for! 

Listen to it here.    SOMETHING

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