On Jordan’s Stormy Banks

Song Story

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

– Philippians 3:20 (ESV)

It is all too easy to get comfortable in this world. The hustle and bustle of life can keep our eyes fixed on the here and now rather than on the age to come.

Many of the classic hymns remind us, though, that a new creation is coming. They set our gaze on eternity by rekindling our imagination, beckoning us to envision the Promised Land that will be the inheritance for all who trust in Christ.

One such song is “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks,” penned by the 18th century London pastor Samuel Stennett. The hymn writer imagines himself in the place of Old Testament Israel, about to cross the Jordan River into the land God had promised Abraham, a land flowing with milk and honey. Stennett reminds us that the greater Canaan is yet to come, and that is where our possessions lie. Beyond the river of death, beyond the storms of this world, beyond the darkness and trials, is a place of true joy. It is a world where sickness, sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more. Best of all, this is the place where our Father dwells, where we will rest in his love forever.

Our team was introduced to a beautiful new tune for this timeless hymn composed by Christopher Miner. His soulful melody features a call-and-response style refrain, allowing congregations and families to point one another to our true home: we are bound for the Promised Land.