We Speak of the Realms

We Speak of the Realms is a reflective and hope filled hymn text that turns the believer’s attention toward the unseen and eternal realities promised by God. The hymn speaks in the language of pilgrimage, echoing the biblical truth that God’s people are strangers and pilgrims on the earth who seek a better country, that is, an heavenly one. This theme stands firmly within the great stream of Christian hymnody that draws its theology from the promises of Scripture rather than from sentiment alone. The “realms” spoken of are not imagined fantasies, but the solid and enduring kingdom of God prepared for those who trust in Christ.

Elizabeth Mills presents the Christian life as one shaped by anticipation and faith. The hymn reminds believers that while earthly life is marked by weakness, trial, and limitation, there exists a greater reality beyond present sight. This aligns closely with Hebrews 11, where the faithful are described as seeing the promises afar off and embracing them by faith. The hymn’s language encourages the church to speak often of these heavenly realms, not as escapism, but as a grounding hope that shapes daily obedience and perseverance.

The text also reflects the biblical call to set one’s affection on things above, not on things on the earth, as taught in Colossians 3. By lifting the mind and heart toward eternal realities, the hymn gently redirects the believer away from worldly distraction and toward Christ Himself, who is seated at the right hand of God. The focus is not merely on heaven as a place, but on the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose and the joy of dwelling in His presence.

In worship, We Speak of the Realms serves as a quiet but profound confession of faith. It gives voice to the church’s longing for the consummation of all things, when faith shall become sight and God shall dwell with His people. The hymn resonates with the promise of Revelation 21, where sorrow, death, and pain are removed, and all things are made new. As such, it is especially fitting for services that emphasize Christian hope, perseverance, and the future glory awaiting the redeemed. Through its thoughtful and scriptural vision, the hymn invites believers to live now in light of eternity, speaking often of the realms that God has promised and faithfully prepared.