In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

The stories behind some of our great songs of the church are fascinating and give us greater insight into the words that we often sing without realizing what inspired the lyrics.

One of the worst conflicts in world history broke out in 1618 and became known as the Thirty-Year War. It started as a war between Protestants and Catholics, and it ended as a political struggle between nations for territory. A whole generation grew up knowing no peace – only bloodshed, pestilence, and famine. The opposing armies crisscrossed Europe repeatedly, causing destruction, starvation, disease, and death. Land was laid waste, and livestock killed, leaving little or no food. Immorality and spiritual decay followed, and people’s morale was largely destroyed.

Faith still reigned, however, in the midst of this evil. Christians found comfort in their sorrow and remained true to God. In the town of Eilenberg, Martin Rinckart opened his home to the destitute even though he had barely enough food for his own family. Then to make matters worse, an epidemic swept through in 1637. Rinckart was the only remaining minister, and he sometimes conducted forty to fifty burial services in one day! But despite these almost unimaginable trials, in 1636 Martin wrote one of the most beautiful hymns in the German language.

Now thank we all our God with heart, and hands and voices
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices
Who from our mother’s arms Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

After reading this, I wondered, ‘How often and how quickly do we complain when we face circumstances much less difficult and troubling than these?’ We need to remember that God can make good come out of every trial and trouble that may come along. That’s a promise of His! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). With that in mind, let us always worship God with a heart full of thanks for the mercy and grace He freely gives us.