Grace

 "Poor choices, wasted years, mistakes we've made…God answers the mess of our life with one word: Grace.” (FB/Joy Each Day)

I am not much in favor of revamping classic hymns for modern use. I like my hymns with the original lyrics and tempo they were written in. The exception to my self-imposed rule is Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).” Tomlin's words mesh perfectly with this time-honored hymn to create something new, valuable, and worth singing in a church setting.

 

John Newton wrote the [original] hymn “Amazing Grace” in 1779 after his conversion and abandonment of his career as a slave trader. “I never set out to take the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ and add something to it—anybody would be crazy to do that. It’s only the greatest song ever written.” Instead, Tomlin recounts a plane ride whereon he had a chance encounter with a friend who told him about some acquaintances who were making a movie about William Wilberforce called Amazing Grace (2006). His friend mentioned that the producers of the film were wondering if Tomlin would be willing to “do something” with the hymn of the same name.[i]

 

Personally, I think that we all have chains in our life that connect us to both the good and bad of our world. For the negative aspects, wouldn’t it be a blessing to break the chains that cause us to stumble in life (and not be at our best). The ties (or chains) that connect us with those we love (and care about) must never be broken as we live our life to keep them securely connected.

 

What would you say if God decided that the negative chains you struggled with were a better example of His mighty grace? Could you trust in God’s strength even more if He needed you to continue dealing with your challenges as His child? 2Corinthians 12:9 (TPT) states: But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.  It’s time to pray for God to make His grace more evident and real to you.  As you read the song below, ask God what chains He will take away from your life, and which He needs you to keep for His glory.

 

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

 

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

 

Chorus

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

Chorus (twice)

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine, will be forever mine
You are forever mine

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[i] Adapted from “History of Hymns: 'Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone” by Discipleship Ministries: The United Methodist Church