By Hymn Stories

      Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915

      "I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." (Psalm 146:2)

      "Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence. This realization can turn any gloom into a song." --S. T. Coleridge

      Praise is our Lord's most righteous due. It is not an option whether we will offer praise--it is one of God's commands. Scriptures clearly teach that we are to offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually (Hebrews 13:15, 16). Our daily sacrifice of praise should include joyful songs for who Christ is--"our blessed redeemer." Then we need to praise God for all of His daily blessings, which are beyond number. We should offer praise even for the trials of life for they are often blessings in disguise. Finally, our sacrifice should include praise for His leading in ways yet to be experienced.

      This is another of the many favorite gospel hymns written by Fanny Crosby, blind American poetess. In all she wrote between 8,000 and 9,000 gospel hymn texts and supplied our hymnals with more beloved hymns that are still sung today than any other writer.

      "Praise Him! Praise Him!" first appeared in a Sunday school hymnal, Bright Jewels, which was published in 1869. The song was originally titled "Praise, Give Thanks." And still today, these words evoke praise from each believing heart--

      "Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory; strength and honor give to His holy name! Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children. In His arms He carries them all day long:

      "Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins He suffered, and bled and died; He, our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified. Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows; love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong:

      "Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heavenly portals loud with hosannas ring. Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever; Crown Him! crown Him! Prophet and Priest and King! Christ is coming! over the world victorious, pow'r and glory unto the Lord belong:

      "Refrain: Praise Him! praise Him! tell of His excellent greatness; praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song!"

      For Today: Psalm 71:23; Hebrews 1:3-8; 13:8; Revelation 1:5, 6; 5:11-14

      Go forth with a renewed awareness of Christ's presence in your life.