Behind the Music - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Brian
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Written by Joachim Neander (1650-1680)
Joachim Neander is considered one of the greatest Calvinist song-writers of the 17th century. He composed about 60 hymns in total during his ministry and almost every one of them is a triumphant exaltation to praise the Lord, following the tradition of many psalms. This inspiring hymn was a loose translation of Psalm 103:1-6, where the Psalmist exhorts himself to “bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy Name.”
Great worship songs focus on two questions: Who is God? What has He done? This hymn is an excellent example of one that answers both:
Who is God? The hymn answers: The Almighty King of creation; Thy health and salvation. What has He done? He wondrously reigns; shelters us under His wings; gently sustains us; grants what He ordains; brings relief in times of grief.
We would do well to follow Neander’s advice and let all that is in within us adore such a God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
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