Tell me the old, old story


People tend to remember negative images more than they do positive ones, according to a study conducted by the University of Chicago (I certainly do).   Those that are most negative tend to stick in our minds way too long (just image what they do in childrens minds?) - reports of tragedies, diseases economic downturns etc....  However for Katherine Hankey she was far more interested in "good news".  In 1866 she became very ill, as she lay in bed her thoughts turned to the Lord and she thought of all the people she had shared the wonderful story of Jesus. That's when she decided to write a poem which later became the hymn "Tell me the old, old story.  

We never tire of hearing the story that because of His great love God sent His one and only Son to this earth (John 3:16).  He lived a perfect life, took our sins upon Himself when He was crucified, and 3 days later rose again (Luke 23:44 - 24:3).  When we receive Him as our Saviour, we are given eternal life and become His children (John 1:12).

-Anne Cetas from Our Daily Bread Devotional

It has been such a long time since I have read these words - so I was delighted to see and read them again - and wanted to share them with you - I think they are so relevant to us all.


Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,

For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.

Refrain

Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in,
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

Refrain

Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;

Remember I’m the sinner whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, if you would really be,

In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.

Refrain

Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear

That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.

Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul,

Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

Refrain

By Arabella Katherine Hankey (1834 – 1911)

The Twelve Apostles, Victoria
(there are no longer 12 limestone stacks standing along the coast, they have gradually eroded, see the small pile at the front near beach, that is the remains of one apostle ) 

Comments

  1. I love this hymn! The old simple ones are still the best ones. ☺

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  2. beautiful hymn! So many beautiful hymns. Very interesting to read a little background about them!

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  3. Lovely hymn. I do appreciate my pastor very much, and the fact that he always incorporates some Gospel into every message he preaches - not just how to have a purpose, or how to find our what your gifts are, as I've heard from others. Even those of us who grew up in the faith should never tire of hearing it, and marveling at how amazing it is....

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  4. A lovely hymn, such beautiful and powerful words. *Love* the picture too, just gorgeous! (o:

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  5. Oh my gosh - this photo takes my breath away! This hymn was one of my grandmothers favorites. I am humming it now~~

    Vicki

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  6. We are reading the same devotional! I loved that day's message. And yes, what a wonderful hymn.

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  7. Stacey - todays (23 June) is another very good one. This must be a popular devotional as quite a few people I know read it.

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