God's Amazing Grace

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (Colossians 3:16 NLT)

Remembering a Beloved Hymn

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about hymns lately. One that comes to mind is Amazing Grace, written by John Newton in 1772. I have sweet memories of my grandmother playing this song on the piano and singing with such joy. It was one of her favorites, and because of her, it has become one of mine.

The Story Behind Amazing Grace

A few years ago, I learned more about the history behind this hymn, and it made it even more meaningful to me. As I read about Newton’s life, I discovered it was full of twists and turns before he devoted himself fully to God’s service.

He wrote Amazing Grace out of his own experience with God’s mercy. He understood what it meant to be “blind,” not physically, but spiritually—lost and unable to see God’s truth—until grace opened his eyes. Knowing this deepens my gratitude for the grace that covers my own life.

Understanding his journey—from participating in the slave trade, to repenting, to later becoming a vocal advocate for abolition—deepens the weight of his words and reveals just how profoundly he understood God’s truly amazing grace.

Grace Remembered Through Generations

As I reflect on this hymn, my heart can’t help but give thanks. It’s hymns like Amazing Grace that remind me of God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy.

I can still hear my grandmother’s voice—steady and joyful—as she played and sang with such gratitude. Her steadfast faith was one of the first places I ever saw God’s grace at work, shaping my heart long before I understood it. Maybe you have someone like that in your story too.

Reflecting on God’s Grace in Your Story

As you listen to Amazing Grace today, let your heart reflect on the people, moments, and mercies through which God has shown you His grace—grace that has brought you this far, and grace that will lead you home.

Where can you trace the steady, quiet work of God’s grace in your story?

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