One delightful (and relatively easy) way to remember biblical concepts, celebrate God, and include our God-given creative side is to compose an acronym. (Perhaps you remember the process from elementary school?)
Start with a word, phrase, or even a short sentence. Write or type it vertically. Use each letter to begin another word, clause, or phrase (composed horizonatally).
For example, the letters P.R.A.Y. can remind us to:
And as we experiment with various words that fit our desired outcome, we’re planting concepts deeper into our consciousness where we’re more likely to remember them.
Of course, we want to make sure those concepts reflect biblical truth. I like to include a correlating scripture reference with each line. The research benefits my spirit also.
Recently in my reading I came across a familiar phrase to describe God, “beyond comprehension,” and decided to tackle an acronym that explores the question: In what ways does he surpass understanding?
Below you’ll find a celebration of the transcendence of God, reminding us just how glorious he is.
He is:
BEYOND COMPREHENSION!
B eautiful in his perfections (Psalm 27:4)
E arnest in attending to our needs (Psalm 23:1-6)
Y earning for relationship with us (Isaiah 30:18)
O mnipotent over the universe (Psalm 103:19)
N ourishing our souls with trustworthy truth (Psalm 19:7; Matthew 4:4)
D eclaring his glory through all that he has made (Psalm 19:1)
C ompletely loving of all, with no exceptions (John 3:16)
O mniscient of all things (Job 37:16)
M indful of each of us, every moment (Psalm 139:7-12, 17-18)
P atiently waiting for us to respond to him (2 Peter 3:9)
R ighteous in all his ways (Psalm 145:17)
E xceedingly merciful (1 Peter 1:3)
H oly in splendor and glory (Psalm 96:7-9)
E ternally faithful to his people (Psalm 100:5)
N urturing of his children (Isaiah 40:11)
S upremely inventive as Creator of all things (John 1:3)
I nfallibly wise (Romans 11:33)
O mnipresent in every place (Psalm 139:7-10)
N ear to all who call on him (Psalm 145:18)
We’d do well to remember:
“There is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no set of people who always do what you expect them do.
“What we do have is a perfect God who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, impeccable wisdom, and infinite love [1].”
“May we see him as he is, the God of eternal excellence. May we stand in awe of Him [2].”
And . . .
[1] Unknown
[2] Linda Dillow, Satisfy the Thirsty Soul, 31.
Image credits: http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com; heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com.
Please sign up below for the monthly newsletter that includes features not on the blog, and thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!
Discover more from From the Inside Out
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
From the Inside Out 
Brilliant, my friend. Your acronym for BEYOND COMPREHENSION is so thorough in describing our Lord, and yet not even close to describing who He is and all He’s capable of. This is such a wonderful way to remember the truth of the Lord in a way that makes sense in my brain. I’m grateful for this idea, Nancy. You never cease to amaze me with your creative insights.
Thank you Dayle for your heartwarming encouragement. And praise God for his inspiration. He’s the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), including creative insights!
Love this, Nancy! Thank you!
Thank you right back, Maria! I’m so glad you found the acronym meaningful.
All I can say, Nancy, is that you are an acronym savant! This can be a fantastic exercise to strengthen our faith and Biblical knowledge. It’s a wonderful suggestion. 🙂
Oh my goodness, Nancy–an acronym savant?!–thank you! I must also praise God for his inspiration and then guidance as I research and write.
The Lord, our God, is beyond comprehension, yet He makes Himself available to His children at every turn. Your acronym is most certainly inspired by Him, Nancy! You’ve actually inspired me to send Biblical words to my granddaughters and challenge them to try out their own acronyms. Thanks always for your weekly inspirations that make us dig deeper into God’s word and His will for our lives. Blessings!
I hope your granddaughters have fun playing with words while absorbing a bit more biblical truth! And thank you for your sweet encouragement, Martha. I’d be remiss if I didn’t praise God and give him credit for his input all through the process. (I know you feel the same!)
I love your acronym! I have often used them to help me memorize lists or facts that I need to recall. Now, I will try a new use for them, thanks to your suggestion. Brilliant!
Thank you for your uplifting encouragement, Vicklea. You’ll have to let us know what word, phrase, or clause you use; others might appreciate a jump-start of an idea to get them started!
I love your acronym, Nancy! Thank you for sharing. Happy Weekend!
You’re welcome, Pam. So glad you liked it. Our weekend will be a happy one–family members arrive on Sunday for a week-long visit!
what a great reminder and love how you tied each line to a Bible verse too, Would get us deeper into the Bible too. Thanks Nancy
Thank-you-and-you’re-welcome, Jean!
Grace- God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
That acronym is a classic, Matt! I wonder who invented that one? (‘Might have to do some research!)
I love how you put this post together…beautifully done! You summed everything up so well. God alone is perfect, and we trust in His wisdom and guidance in all things.
Amen, Linda, and thank you!
I like your acronym and the whole idea of using acronyms as a study focus/tool. You certainly chose a long one and executed it so well..
Thank you, Linda. It was a fun and uplifting exercise; I didn’t mind that it was a bit long!
Thank you, Nancy, for the time and research you take to bring such deep truth and blessings to me.
Praise God that you find truth and blessing here, Patty. Your posts always bless my heart too. I was bragging about you earlier today, sharing what an inspiration you are of perseverance, patience, and sacrificial love!
Thank you, Nancy. God’s grace, every day!
Where would we be without it?!
I think of “FAST” for stroke diagnosis (face, arms, speech, time) when I think of the power of acronyms. But it’s safe to say your acronym here is even more powerful 🙂
Thank you, Dave. FAST IS a worthwhile acronym to know. I’m glad you added it to the conversation!
Wonderful acronym, Nancy! Such a good reminder to seek out His unfailing strength, impeccable wisdom, and infinite love. So good!
Thank you, Wynne. As always, I have to praise God for his inspiration
Amen. ❤
This week I decided to study the Book of Jeremiah. I just finished reading chapter 3 which emphasizes God’s willingness to forgive us when we stray from Him. He patiently waits, always ready to welcome us back into His embrace. The depth of His love is truly beyond my comprehension.
Agreed, Cheri. What a gracious God he is!
Nancy,
Wonderful. Thinking creatively always makes a perfect expression.
Thank you, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
I’m glad you enjoyed the acronym, Gary!
Hi Nancy! This is a helpful prompt for those of us who are having a bit more trouble with memorization or remembering of any kind! Thanks for taking us to a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the Scriptures. In their words are life and hope and joy.
Linda, you’ve hit on the biggest benefit from an exercise like this, when we focus on those things excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). The contemplation of possibilities for each letter and the research for scripture-collaboration do contribute to the vitality, hope, and joy in our spirits.