Hymns & Songs

Amelia Leo is a programmes executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department.

Our victory belongs to God

Victory is a sought-after but elusive commodity. People are quick to claim it, only to realise that it is still out of their reach. In recent times, countries were quick to claim victory in the battle against Covid-19, only to discover that yet another variant was about to hit them. In the past century, catastrophic wars were fought more than once to gain uneasy victories over enemy states. Around the world, political parties pour much money and effort into claiming victory at the polls, only to be voted out a few years later. Victory, even when it is attained in this world, seems transient, insecure, and finite.

Christians are not spared from this experience with victory. Each day, we strive to overcome temptation, only to yield to our impatience, anger, greed, and apathy. As a church, we strive to be obedient to God’s commands, but fail on many occasions. Victory over sin is sought after, but appears to elude us individually and collectively.

But is this the end of the Christian’s experience? Surely not! The Bible assures us that true victory is available for all who trust in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:57). And, as the apostle Paul describes in 1 Cor 15:50-57, this victory is eternal, secure, and imperishable —even overcoming death itself.

Our victory in Christ is the theme of the song “Living Hope”. Verse 1 encapsulates our experience here on earth, where our striving fails to amount to anything. The remaining verses then remind us that “the work is finished” because of what Jesus has done in bearing our sin and overcoming death. The chorus erupts in praise to the One who has “broken every chain”.

As we face the trials and temptations of this life, there will definitely be times of weariness and doubt. In such times, let us remember the living hope that we have. And may this hope spur us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” (1 Cor 15:58).

The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the church through music and the performing arts. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg.

Living Hope

Verse 1 How great the chasm that lay between us How high the mountain I could not climb In desperation, I turned to heaven And I spoke Your name into the night

Verse 2 Then through the darkness Your lovingkindness Tore through the shadows of my soul The work is finished, the end is written Jesus Christ, my living hope

Verse 3 Who could imagine so great a mercy What heart could fathom such boundless grace The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame

Verse 4 The cross has spoken, I am forgiven The King of kings calls me His own Beautiful Saviour, I’m Yours forever Jesus Christ, my living hope

Chorus Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There’s salvation in Your Name Jesus Christ, my living hope

Verse 5 Then came the morning that sealed the promise Your buried body began to breathe Out of the silence, the roaring lion Declared the grave has no claim on me

Words & Music: Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham; © 2017 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP) / Phil Wickham Music (BMI) / Simply Global Songs (BMI) / Sing My Songs (BMI). Scan the QR code to listen >>