Blest Be the Tie that Binds - Hymn for January

One of my goals for 2023 is to learn more hymns. Committing them to memory and savoring their rich, comforting words has been something I have been wanting to do for a while now. 

While hymns don't replace Scripture, they do remind us of them. 

This hymn was written by John Fawcett (1740-1817) in about 1772, "to commemorate the determination of its author to remain with his attached people at Wainsgate. The farewell sermon was preached, the wagons were loaded, when love and tears prevailed, and Dr. Fawcett sacrificed the attraction of a London pulpit tot the affection of his poor but devoted flock."

And with that, this is what he wrote,

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear; And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.

When we are called to part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives our courage by the way; while each in expectation lives and waits to see the day.

From sorry, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free; and perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity. 

May this not only encourage you, but may this draw you ever closer to your Lord and Savior!

What about you? Do you have a favorite hymn?