The hymn “What a Day That Will Be” was penned by James Hill in 1955, inspired by two poignant figures in his life: an orphan girl and his mother-in-law. The seed for this beloved hymn was planted years earlier when an orphan girl sang at Hill’s Baptist church. She concluded her song with the words, “What a day that will be,” a phrase that resonated deeply with Hill and stayed with him over the years.
However, the immediate catalyst for writing the hymn came from a personal family tragedy. Hill’s mother-in-law suffered a debilitating stroke at the age of 50, leaving her paralyzed. As a new Christian, Hill struggled to comprehend why such a terrible thing would happen to such a kind and devout woman. One day, while reflecting on his mother-in-law’s suffering and the trials she faced, Hill found himself on his porch, and the words to the hymn began to flow into his mind.
Despite having never written a song before, Hill felt compelled to put his thoughts and feelings into words. Unsure of its quality, he decided to share it with his family. On their next visit to his mother-in-law, Hill, his wife, and his sister-in-law sang the new hymn all the way to her home. When they arrived, they sang it again, and miraculously, for the first time in three years, Hill’s mother-in-law smiled and showed signs of joy and excitement.
To Hill, this reaction was a divine confirmation that his song was blessed by God. “What a Day That Will Be” has since become an anthem of encouragement and hope for countless people, resonating deeply with its message of a future without sorrow, pain, or death. The hymn draws on the comforting promise found in Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Recorded by over 1,000 singing groups and individuals, “What a Day That Will Be” continues to inspire and uplift, providing solace and a reminder of the eternal peace promised to believers.
Verse 1
There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky
No more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forevermore
On that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be
Chorus
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace
Then He’ll take me by the hand
And lead me through the Promise Land
Oh what a day, glorious day that will be
Verse 2
They’ll be no sorrow there
No more burdens to bear
No more sickness and no more pain
No more parting over there
And forever I will be With the One who died for me
Oh what a day, glorious day that will be
Thank you, Anne Murphy, for my sweet birthday card that had this week’s request from Bill Murphy jotted down as a note in it! Do you have a hymn you would like to know more about? You can email me at savannah.pearce@bibbcommunitymedia.com or give the press office a call. I would love to hear from you!
