I Stand All Amazed/Oh It Is Wonderful

My heart is heavy. There has been much in the news lately to cause distress regarding human nature, and it’s shocked and saddened me. In response to those actions of hate, I’ve turned to music. Specifically, church hymns.

*Disclaimer: I understand and respect that not everyone is religious. I really do. All I ask is that you respect my opinions as well and participate in sharing this music with me with an open mind and heart. This way we can all appreciate some beautiful music. 🙂

For me, hymns have a way of bringing peace and love into my life. The hymn I want to share with you today is I Stand All Amazed (also known as Oh It Is Wonderful).

Background

Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932) was an American gospel composer who is said to have written up to 8 thousand gospel songs (even though he didn’t have any formal music training!). He wrote the words to I Stand All Amazed in 1905, and (to be honest) I’m not exactly sure when he wrote the music – but he did indeed write the music as well. There’s not much information about the background of I Stand All Amazed, but the beautiful worship hymn speaks for itself. Here’s a video of a choral arrangement sung by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

Lyrics

What I love about this hymn, aside from the beautiful music, is the words. This is a hymn of wonder and glory – one that causes deep reflection and awe when thinking about Jesus.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

I Stand All Amazed Piano Arrangement

Check out my own piano arrangement of this special hymn:

*If you like the arrangement, download the sheet music for free here!

Even when life gets hard, even when people make choices that hurt others, even when it seems like there is no hope, remember that there is always hope. You can choose to be kind. You can choose to be a good person. Even if our actions seem to go unnoticed, we are making a change in the world one selfless step at a time.

What is something that someone has done for you that has made an impact on your life? Tell me in the comments!