I often say that my favourite verse of any hymn is the “death verse”. My heart soars when I sing loudly about the joy of heaven. Whether the verse talks about Jesus carrying us through death, or the moment we see his face, or the eternity we will enjoy praising God—they all bring me to tears.

Here are a few of my favourites, from both old hymns and modern songs. I hope these words will lift your eyes from whatever you’re facing at the moment, to rejoice in the life to come.

Rock of Ages
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Abide With Me
Hold out Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Thy morning breaks and earthly shadows flee
In life and death, Lord, abide with me
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me

O Praise The Name (Anástasis)
He shall return in robes of white,
The blazing Son shall pierce the night.
And I will rise among the saints,
My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face

It Is Well
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor
Christ the sure and steady anchor,
As we face the wave of death;
When these trials give way to glory,
As we draw our final breath.
We will cross that great horizon,
Clouds behind and life secure;
And the calm will be the better,
For the storms that we endure.

Immovable Our Hope Remains
Built into Christ, secure we stand
For with His Spirit we’ve been sealed
By grace we’ll see the promised land
Where every sorrow shall be healed
To God who gave His only Son
To Jesus Christ, our Lord
To God the Spirit, Three-in-one
Be songs of praise forevermore
We’ll sing Your praise forevermore

Hallelujah! What a Savior
When He comes, our glorious King
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we’ll sing
Hallelujah, what a Savior

Hallelujah For the Cross
And when I breathe my final breath
I’ll have no need to fear that rest
This hope will guide me into death
Hallelujah for the cross