Near the end of 2021 I began journaling through some of the old hymns. Such an exercise allows me to slow down my thinking and discover more meaning in the lyrics than when I quickly sing or read through them.
Today I invite you to contemplate with me the hymn, “To God Be the Glory,” rich with encouragement for our spirits. The inclusion of all three verses would make a lengthy post, so I chose just the last:
“Great things He hath taught us.”
I praise you, Lord God, for the wisdom of your Word. We can:
- Depend on you for strength and help
- Trust you for guidance and care
- Pray about everything and receive your peace
- Ask you for wisdom and know you will give it [1]
I praise you also for the godly examples you’ve provided throughout my life, people who lived out their faith before me and mentored me—Mom and Dad, my grandparents, Sunday School teachers and youth sponsors, professors, older and wiser friends, contemporaries who loved you and lived for you.
How gracious you’ve been, Father, to always provide numerous, grace-filled saints to encourage and bolster me.
And then there are the lessons you’ve taught me through experience—lessons in:
- exercising patience while raising our children
- keeping my mouth shut in various situations (!)
- developing a calm and gentle spirit
- fostering an attitude of gratitude
You inspired me in 1983 to begin my “God Is Faithful” journal, teaching me about your attributes at work. Now I have a personal record of your loving kindness, goodness, power and more, blessing us in amazing and delightful ways.
And that brings me to the next phrase of this hymn:
“Great things He hath done.”
In my life you’ve:
- provided for my needs
- protected me from harm
- given guidance for decisions
- developed the fruit of the Spirit within me (a work still in progress!)
- bestowed numerous gifts over the years beyond expectation
“Great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son.”
Oh, yes! I praise you Lord Jesus for the benefits you’ve made possible:
- saving me from the clutches of Satan
- creating me in you (spiritually transforming me, renewing me, making me ready to be used for good works)
- interceding for me before God
- inviting me to abide in you, to keep in close and pleasurable communion with you
- providing peace with God so I can experience his grace
- giving me all things pertaining to life and godliness (that is, everything necessary for a dynamic spiritual life) [2]
In addition, you reside in me, bestowing peace, joy, and hope [3].
My spirt soars as I contemplate these glorious benefits!
“But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Yet there is still more to come even more glorious. One day you’ll make each of us pure and perfect, enabling us to live in your pure and perfect heaven.
I can only imagine the wonder and delight when we arrive there and experience all its wonders in the fullness of your presence! Thank you Heavenly Father for providing the way; thank you Lord Jesus for being that way, and thank you Holy Spirit for leading me to the way.
[1] Isaiah 41:10; 58:11; Philippians 4:6-7; James 1:5
[2] 2 Timothy 4:18; Ephesians 2:10 AMP; Romans 8:34; John 15:5; Romans 5:2; 2 Peter 1:3 AMP
[3] Colossians 1:27; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; John 15:11; 1 Peter 1:3-5
Art & photo credits: http://www.wallpaper.com; http://www.pexels.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net (2).
From the Inside Out 