This is the day the Lord hath made
By Isaac Watts
Lyrics
He calls the hours His own.
Let heav'n rejoice, let earth be glad,
and praise surround the throne.
and Satan's empire fell;
Today the saints His triumphs spread
and all His wonders tell.
to David's holy Son!
Help us, O Lord, descend and bring
salvation from the throne.
the church on earth can raise!
The highest heav'ns in which He reigns,
shall give Him nobler praise.
Bible Reference
Psalm 118:24
About This Hymn
“This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made” is one of Isaac Watts’s joyful renditions of Scripture, drawn directly from Psalm 118:24. The hymn calls believers to rejoice in the works of God and to recognize each day as a gift shaped by His providence. Watts wrote this hymn to help congregations grasp the spirit of praise found in the Psalms. The words invite worshippers to lift their hearts in gratitude, remembering that every new day arrives through the kindness of the Lord who sustains and guides His people.
The hymn celebrates the triumph of God over all forces that oppose His purposes. In Psalm 118, the psalmist rejoices in the salvation and help that God provides. Watts carries this theme forward, encouraging believers to praise the Lord for His mercy, protection, and steadfast love. The phrase “the day the Lord hath made” points not only to the daily blessings of life, but also to the great acts of redemption that give meaning and hope to the present moment. Each day becomes an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and to delight in His goodness.
Watts’s hymn has been used widely in Christian worship because it sets a tone of cheerful confidence in God. It helps believers refocus their minds on the Lord, especially when trials or discouragements press in. By singing these words, Christians are reminded that God is active in their lives and that His purposes are sure. The hymn encourages a spirit of joy, thankfulness, and trust, turning the heart toward the Lord who rules over time and fills each day with His grace.
From the Dictionary of Hymnology
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An in-depth historical profile of Isaac Watts's monumental 1707 Passion hymn, detailing its theological impact, connection to Fanny Crosby's conversion, and transformation into "At the Cross."
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