In April of this year I shared an idea borrowed from blogger Michele Morin, about journaling through hymns and praise songs. Such an exercise allows us to meditate on the lyrics, discovering more meaning than when we quickly sing through the words.
In that post I shared from my thoughts on “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” (Here’s a link to that post, Opening Up New Spaces.)
Today, let’s look more closely at another hymn rich with implications, “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.”
If you don’t know this hymn, you can listen to a contemporary version here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S97XYCkJhY, then soak with me in the first verse:
“Immortal, invisible, God only wise”
I praise You, O God, for your immortality. There is much comfort in the fact that you–in all your sovereignty, power, and wisdom–have always existed and always will.
I praise You for your invisibility, which allows you to reside within the spirits of all your children. We marvel at the wonder of such a phenomenon–such a privilege–to enjoy intimacy with you, the King of the universe!
I praise you for your incomparable wisdom. Nothing is ever a mystery to you. You’re never puzzled, confused, or uncertain.[1] You always know the best course of action that will best serve everyone involved—even those who are part of the ripple effect, perhaps years later.
How amazing that you make your wisdom available to us–including an ordinary person like me.[2]
“In light inaccessible hid from our eyes”
You are light. Your radiance is like sunlight, and rays flash from your hands! No one can physically look upon such brilliance.
But your light also symbolizes the purity of your character. Just as sunlight brightens our world, your multi-beamed goodness brightens my soul with grace, strength, blessings, and more.
You also illuminate truth in my life, through the light of your Word. And by the power of your Spirit I can walk daily in the guiding, cheering light of your presence.[3]
“Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days”
I praise You that you are most blessed. That is, you are fully satisfied within yourself. (Of course this is true–you’re perfect!)
You’re also most blessed because of your holiness–transcendent and “totally other” from anything else in the universe.
In addition, you’re “most glorious.” Your breath-taking attributes astound us, including your:
- omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence
- infinity, changelessness, and self-sufficiency
- faithfulness, goodness, and justice
- mercy, grace, and love
- holiness, righteousness, and immanence
I praise you for demonstrating all these traits with acts of power. You perform wonders that cannot be fathomed, and miracles that cannot be counted![4]
Our family has witnessed numerous wonders and miracles. “We are filled with the good things of your house” (Psalm 65:46), many of which are recorded in my God -Is-Faithful journal.
I also praise you for being our Ancient of Days—a name that speaks of your regality, endurance, and sound judgment. You have reigned in supremacy through eons past and will continue to reign into eternity yet to come.
Again, what sweet comfort and joyful wonder to contemplate that you, such an incredible God, are with me and within me, wielding your attributes for my benefit.
“Almighty, victorious—Thy great name we praise.”
King David wrote, “How majestic is your name in all the earth” (Psalm 8:1)! Perhaps he had in mind the multiplicity of your names, each one highlighting different facets of your character. You are:
- Elohim, God of supreme power and might
- El Roi, the God Who Sees, who watches over all
- Jehovah Jireh, our God who provides
- Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals
- Yaweh Shalom, our God of peace
And that’s just a few out of many. I thank you that as each one reveals more truth about you, we grow to know you better. I also praise you for the hope and encouragement we find in your glorious names.
You, O God, are most worthy of praise because of your infinite excellencies. I praise you for your greatness–beyond human comprehension!
[1] Lloyd Stilley, https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-wisdom-god-romans-16-1-corinthians-1
[2] James 1:5; Psalm 19:7 CEV
[3] 1 John 1:5; Habakkuk 3:4; 1 John 3:3; Psalm 12:6; 119:105; Psalm 89:15; John 8:12
[4] Psalm 150:2; Job 5:9
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pixnio.com; http://www.heartlight.org.
From the Inside Out 
Amen!
Thank you, Robert, and praise God for his inspiration!
What a great idea for meditation and prayer Nancy! I love hymns and worship songs, and I’m going to do this!
I’m so glad you’re inspired by this idea, Annie. Journaling through the hymns is an exercise that cultivates joy, because “joy thrives in the soil of praise” (Unknown)!
I’m not familiar with this hymn, but these lyrics are so powerful about our God! God is so many good things that we can never exhaust our praise of God’s glory.
And in the praising we raise OUR spirits! Thank you, Lisa, for stopping by and taking the time to comment
What a great spiritual practice. One aspect I love about this practice is expressing these words from my own heart. I heard a line from the well known and loved carol – O holy night – that resonates within me – ‘Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth. Imagine. Jesus came and my soul knew! WE find our value in Him!! Music is such a powerful threshold to grow closer to God!
Thank you for sharing your insight from the carol, O Holy Night. We do indeed find our value in Him. We are each His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)! And AMEN to your last comment. I like the way you expressed the significance of Christian music in our lives, as a threshold to growing closer to God. Beautiful, Jean!
So beautiful! 🙌♥️🦋
Thank you, Bridget, and praise God for his inspiration!
Nancy, I love that reading the mere title of this post sent me into song. This is a hymn I discovered in my adulthood and have loved. Right now I’m reading John MacArthur’s book titled Worship: The Ultimate Priority. I couldn’t help but think how this post is a beautiful example of worship in word and song. Thank you for inviting us to join you in the worship of Almighty God.
You’re welcome, Beth! Praise God you found beauty here. I greatly appreciate John MacArther’s biblical teaching. I’m sure his book on worship is insightful. In my own life I’ve found worship to be a strong catalyst for joy, peace, and more!
Hi Nancy, I liked your idea of the “God is Faithful Journal”. I kept a journal for such a short time, but it was more of what is going on in my life. It was when I got drafted so it was many years ago, but I remember writing about how many times, God sent a Christian into my life. It was amazing and now I think about all the blessing he has sent that I don’t remember. Thank you for your devotion to HIM and your writings. Oh, and it is nice to read your notes on my 27″ monitor. Your pictures throughout your blog are wonderful. I can automatically praise God when I see his creations.
Sam
Thank you, Sam. No doubt all the time you’ve spent outdoors contributes to your appreciation for nature-photos. God’s creation does indeed draw us into worship of him!
I had never heard of this song before. Thank you for sharing such an all-encompassing description of His attributes. Our Savior is like an exquisite, flawless multifaceted diamond with an inner light that shines outward to each of His children.
Thank YOU, Cheri. Love the beautiful imagery you shared!
What a rich treasure these old hymns are! I appreciate how you dug into this great hymn and drew us to look at the amazing truths shown about God in just the first verse.
Thank you, Patty. I actually wrote 24 pages on this hymn! (Of course, typed, the meditation would probably be just TWO pages. The journal isn’t large, and I skipped lines in order to have room for revisions.) It’s been a delight to discover rich treasure while mulling over each line!
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Thank you for the link, LEAP of Faith!
I would like to get your blog
Thanks
Thank you, Sue! It’s easy to sign up: In the right column on my blog, near the top, you’ll see a box that invites you to follow by email. Just type your email address in the slot and click on the “Follow” button. That should do it!
I love this idea! Journaling through hymns and praise song. I think I will try that too. Some of the old hymns are so meaningful and precious to the heart. I miss singing them in church now. No reason why I cannot sing to my heart’s content while I journal them! Thanks, Nancy, for inspiring me!
You’re welcome, Kathy! I pray you find the practice a great blessing.
So important to give Him praise!! Acknowledging who and what He does…the more we know and praise Him the more we love Him.❤️
AMEN, Alicia! And our faith, peace, and joy in him are increased as well.
I am so thankful that my church sings hymns. I have a new-found appreciation for the old hymns as I really think about the words as we sing. Blessings, Nancy!
Some of our old favorites from decades past included wonderfully inspiring lyrics, didn’t they? I’m grateful our church still sings some of them too!
Thank you for introducing me to the hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.” I will listen to it often.
You’re welcome, Sarah! I’m so glad you found it worth listening to. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment!