He Gave Me a Song
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Alton H. Howard
Introduction:
“He Gave Me a Song” is a joyful hymn of transformation, written by Alton
H. Howard in 1956. It captures the essence of what happens when a soul
is redeemed by the blood of Christ—darkness turns to light, sorrow turns
to gladness, and silence is replaced by singing. Based on scriptures
such as Psalm 40:3 and Ephesians 5:19, the hymn reflects the personal,
emotional, and spiritual change that occurs when Christ enters a life.
This is not merely a
song about music—it is a song about
new life. Jesus doesn’t just improve the sinner—He renews them
completely. He lifts us out of despair and places within us a reason to
rejoice. This hymn emphasizes what Jesus has done for the individual
believer: He lifted us up, He saved our souls, and He gave us a new song
to sing.
Let us walk through
the message of this hymn and allow it to rekindle the joy of salvation
in our hearts. If Christ has given us a song, then we should live—and
sing—with gratitude, boldness, and hope.
Stanza 1: “He
took my burdens all away, up to a brighter day, He gave me a song...”
The first stanza recalls the burden of sin and the freedom found in
Christ. Like David in Psalm 40:1–3, the writer testifies that God lifted
him from the pit and “put a new song” in his mouth. This is the reality
of salvation: when our sins are forgiven, our burdens are lifted.
Matthew 11:28–30
echoes this truth. Jesus invites the weary and heavy-laden to come to
Him for rest. When we accept that invitation in obedient faith, the
weight of guilt is removed, and we are led into the light of hope and
righteousness. The “brighter day” is not just poetic—it is the dawn of a
life lived in Christ.
Stanza 2: “He
gave me a song to sing about, He lifted me from sin and doubt, O praise
His name...”
This stanza highlights the personal testimony of redemption. God’s
salvation is not abstract—it is deeply personal. When He saves us, we
have something to sing about. Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the
Lord say so.” Our lives become living praise.
The removal of “sin
and doubt” speaks to both moral and emotional deliverance. God not only
forgives our sins—He replaces our fear with faith and our confusion with
confidence. The right response to such mercy is worship: “O praise His
name, He is my King.” The Lord becomes not just a Savior, but the Ruler
of our lives.
Stanza 3: “He
gave me a song, He is my King, and though I walk alone...”
This stanza acknowledges that the Christian life may involve solitude or
rejection by the world. Yet even when we “walk alone,” we are not truly
alone. Hebrews 13:5 assures us that God will never leave nor forsake us.
The song within us—the joy of salvation—sustains us through trials.
The phrase “to Him
I’ll cling” reflects a heart that trusts and abides in Christ no matter
the cost. Romans 8:35–39 proclaims that nothing can separate us from the
love of Christ. The Christian walks with strength, not because the world
is kind, but because the King gives us a song of victory and hope.
Chorus: “He
gave me a song, a wonderful song...”
The chorus repeats the joyful truth that God has replaced the silence of
sorrow with the song of salvation. It is “wonderful” because it is not
based on earthly happiness, but on eternal truth. Ephesians 5:19
commands believers to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in the heart.
This chorus invites
us to rejoice—not just in worship, but in daily life. If God has given
us a song, we should sing it. Not just with our mouths, but with our
choices, our conversations, and our character.
He Gave Me a
Song Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: Freedom from Sin’s Burden
-
Sin weighs down
the soul: Psalm 38:4
-
Jesus gives rest
and relief: Matthew 11:28–30
-
A brighter day
begins at salvation: Psalm 40:3
Stanza 2: A
Song Worth Singing
-
Redeemed have a
testimony: Psalm 107:2
-
Delivered from
sin and doubt: Colossians 1:13
-
Praise as the
proper response: Hebrews 13:15
Stanza 3:
Faithfulness Even When Alone
-
Walking alone in
faith: 2 Timothy 4:16–17
-
Clinging to
Christ through trials: Romans 8:35–39
-
Singing even in
sorrow: Acts 16:25
Chorus: A Life
Transformed Through Praise
-
Melody in the
heart to the Lord: Ephesians 5:19
-
Worship through
daily life
-
The joy of
salvation expressed
Call to Action:
Has Jesus given you a song? If not, He wants to. He can take away every
burden of guilt and sin and give you joy unspeakable. But you must come
to Him in obedient faith—believe, repent, confess His name, and be
baptized into Christ. Then He will lift you up, cleanse your soul, and
give you a song this world cannot silence. If He has already given you a
song, sing it! Share it. Let it echo through your life until the day you
sing before His throne.
Scripture
Reference List:
Psalm 40:1–3 – A new song in my mouth
Matthew 11:28–30 – Come to Me and find rest
Psalm 107:2 – Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Colossians 1:13 – Delivered from the power of darkness
Hebrews 13:15 – Offer the sacrifice of praise
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you
Romans 8:35–39 – Nothing can separate us from His love
2 Timothy 4:16–17 – The Lord stood with me
Acts 16:25 – Paul and Silas sang in prison
Ephesians 5:19 – Singing and making melody in your heart
Song Author
Credit:
“He Gave Me a Song” was written by
Alton H. Howard
(1925–2006), a faithful member of the churches of Christ and a prolific
hymn publisher. He compiled numerous songbooks used widely in
congregations and wrote this hymn as a personal testimony of God’s
redeeming grace and joy.
Song History:
Published in 1956 in Songs of the
Church, “He Gave Me a Song” quickly became a favorite among
churches of Christ for its uplifting message and scriptural depth.
Howard’s hymn gave voice to thousands of believers who knew the
transformation of salvation. Its simple melody and sincere lyrics
continue to inspire joy in the hearts of the faithful.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
