It has become an anthem of strength for people facing life-threatening illnesses.
Over 50 million people watched a video by metastatic breast cancer patient Holly Kitchen, who shared her story before dying as the song played in the background.
The song also inspired the family of 5-year-old Kycie Terry, who suffered seizures and slipped into a coma after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. When Terry woke up, her family made a video about her recovery, calling it “Kycie’s Rehab Fight Song.”
It is, of course, “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. She wrote it at an emotionally low point in her life, as her career had failed to take off after twelve years.
This is my fight song, take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song, my power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong, I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me
Rachel Platten, “Fight Song”, 2014
The song took on a life of its own, but Rachel embraced that journey as well. She personally curates photos, videos, and messages her fans leave online. Every story is different. But all the same in one way: Rachel’s song has helped them through a difficult time.
Rachel Platten wrote “Fight Song” to help herself. But the song has already helped thousands of other people, too.
Today I sang a song with my friend Darlene that I haven’t sang in ages. She wanted to sing “Fairest Lord Jesus”. So we did.
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration, Now and forever more be Thine.
Anonymous, “Fairest Lord Jesus”, first published 1662/translated 1873
The lyrics of this hymn are beautifully written and delicate in nature. They paint a gentle image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
But this song also seems to have originally been written as a fight song.
Legend has it that the hymn originated either in the 12th century as a Teutonic Knights’ anthem sung in Prussia under the Holy Roman Empire, or as an 18th century tune from the Germanic region of Silesia.
Either way, the current tune carries the rousing moniker of “Crusader’s Hymn”.
And it has been used for hundreds of years as an anthem of strength and encouragement.
Whether we sing it gently and reassuringly or as a clarion call to safety,
Thanks be to God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT
Today, go back and read the two verses (v1 & v4) that are included above. Read them aloud.
And be reminded that the same Jesus who comforts and reassures us also preserves us and fights for us. Thanks be to God!
That’s worship.
–Pastor Steve