Hymns: A 5-Day Devotional With Tasha Cobbs LeonardChikamu

Future Generations

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” Psalm 102:18 (NIV)

Modern society will tell you hymns are no longer relevant. They’ll tell you their melodies are outdated and their lyrics are not applicable. But then again, many have said the same thing about the Bible.

Popular culture is constantly changing, and music is an art form that tends to follow the trends. One minute a song is declared a massive hit, but then it’s quickly replaced by the next big smash. An artist has 15 minutes of fame if they’re lucky. No artist or song stays on top forever.

Back in the day, hymn writers weren’t concerned with the latest trends. They weren’t writing for radio or attempting to top any kind of chart. They were simply writing words and melodies straight from the heart, giving language to their faith, often in an attempt to make sense of difficult — even tragic — circumstances. Aren’t worship writers just trying to do the same thing today?

Much like Scripture, the words to “old” hymns are just as purposeful now as they were when they were written. And I hope the songs I’m writing will have as much meaning after I’m gone as they do while I still have the chance to lead them.

What if we have the power to influence people who will come after us? What if we have the ability to leave a mark on the world that will impact generations to come?

The truth is one of the reasons I decided to record Hymns is because I want my children and my children’s children to know, learn and appreciate the music that helped shape me. I want the truth of these hymns to sink deep into their soul. I sought to not just capture the songs of my childhood but to reimagine them for an entirely new generation.

I want these sacred songs to be a part of the legacy I leave. One day, I want my kids to wake up and find themselves naturally humming the songs their mother taught them.

The next time you find yourself humming a song of praise, stop and think about where the melody came from. When did you learn it? Who taught it to you?

History counts. Legacy matters. And hymns, well, they’ll outlive us all.