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 