There's Within My Heart a Melody

Songbook Hymn Sermons

There’s Within My Heart a Melody

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Luther B. Bridgers

Introduction:
“There’s Within My Heart a Melody” is a hymn of enduring joy, born from deep personal tragedy. Its message reminds us that even in sorrow, Jesus places a song in the heart of the believer. This hymn proclaims the peace and gladness that Christ brings, lifting us above life’s pain and giving us hope for eternity. Rooted in Scripture and written in suffering, it encourages every Christian to trust in God’s promises and walk with Christ joyfully, no matter what life may bring.

Stanza 1: “There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low…”
Jesus speaks peace to our hearts. Just as He calmed the storm in Mark 4:39, He calms our troubled spirits with His voice. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” That peace is not circumstantial—it dwells in the heart of every believer.

Stanza 2: “All my life was wrecked by sin and strife, discord filled my heart with pain…”
Sin wrecks our lives, but Christ redeems and restores. Ephesians 2:1–5 says we were dead in sin, but God, in His mercy, made us alive in Christ. The songwriter expresses personal transformation: from discord to harmony, from chaos to calm. Only Jesus can restore the broken soul and fill it with melody.

Stanza 3: “Feasting on the riches of His grace, resting ’neath His sheltering wing…”
This stanza speaks of spiritual nourishment and safety. God’s grace supplies every need (2 Corinthians 12:9), and His protection is like that of a mother bird sheltering her young (Psalm 91:4). In Christ, we find rest, assurance, and fullness, even while walking through life’s uncertainties.

Stanza 4: “Though sometimes He leads through waters deep, trials fall across the way…”
Christ never promised a trial-free life—but He did promise to walk with us through the waters (Isaiah 43:2). When trials come, faith keeps the melody alive. Romans 5:3–5 teaches that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. The Christian walks with confidence because Jesus is always near.

Stanza 5: “Soon He’s coming back to welcome me far beyond the starry sky…”
This final verse points to the Christian’s ultimate hope—eternity with Christ. John 14:3 promises that Jesus will return to take us home. This anticipation gives our hearts a melody of joy and longing. One day, every tear will be wiped away, and the song will rise in eternal praise.

There’s Within My Heart a Melody Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – The Peace of Christ in the Heart

• John 14:27 – Jesus gives peace

• Mark 4:39 – He calms the storm

• Philippians 4:7 – Peace that passes understanding

Stanza 2 – Redemption from Sin and Strife

• Ephesians 2:1–5 – From death to life in Christ

• Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were sinners

• Psalm 40:2–3 – He put a new song in my mouth

Stanza 3 – Feasting and Resting in His Grace

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient

• Psalm 91:4 – Under His wings you will find refuge

• John 6:35 – He is the bread of life

Stanza 4 – Trusting Him Through Life’s Trials

• Isaiah 43:2 – I will be with you through waters

• Romans 5:3–5 – Suffering leads to hope

• James 1:2–4 – Trials produce steadfastness

Stanza 5 – The Hope of Heaven

• John 14:3 – I will come again and receive you

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Caught up to meet the Lord

• Revelation 21:4 – No more death or sorrow

Call to Action:
Do you have Christ’s melody in your heart? The joy of the Lord comes through surrender, not circumstance. If your life is filled with discord, Jesus can bring peace and harmony. Obey His gospel—believe (John 8:24), repent (Acts 3:19), confess Him (Romans 10:10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Then walk in newness of life, and let His song sing through you.

Scripture Reference List:
John 14:27 – Jesus gives peace
Mark 4:39 – He calms the storm
Philippians 4:7 – Peace beyond understanding
Ephesians 2:1–5 – Made alive in Christ
Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us
Psalm 40:2–3 – A new song in my mouth
2 Corinthians 12:9 – Grace is sufficient
Psalm 91:4 – Shelter under His wings
John 6:35 – The bread of life
Isaiah 43:2 – Through waters, I will be with you
Romans 5:3–5 – Trials lead to hope
James 1:2–4 – Steadfastness through trials
John 14:3 – Christ will return
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Meet the Lord in the air
Revelation 21:4 – No more sorrow

Song Author Credit:
Luther B. Bridgers wrote “There’s Within My Heart a Melody” in 1910 after losing his wife and children in a tragic fire. Despite his grief, he testified of Christ’s sustaining joy. His hymn has inspired generations to sing through their sorrows, trusting Jesus to carry them onward.

Song History:
The song was composed during a time of heartbreaking personal loss, yet it radiates with joy. Bridgers’ ability to write such a hymn in the midst of tragedy illustrates the supernatural peace only Christ can give. Its uplifting message continues to comfort and encourage Christians around the world.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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