Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)
Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.
Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.
First
Early in my relationship with God I learned the verse below and it has since become to me a significant scripture throughout my journey. Some might call it a Life Verse, one that governs much of my thinking about my Lord, and His activity in my life. Even so, I often fail to live up to the highest expressions of it, though it remains my aspiration to do so.
Putting God first in all things and keeping Him there are both lofty aspirations as well. To do so will create some conflict internally and externally, but will ensure that you will always be able to find your path forward, even if not initially. Trust requires that we believe God is at work even when we do not see it, making a way where there seems to be none.
I am not certain it will still be sung hundreds of years from now but a song of our day expresses well the kind of faith necessary to put and keep God first. Way Maker by Leeland says,
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
I think of those who first sang these words, and those who first sang the ones below and marvel that across time and space the same God revealed Himself to song writers who found words for their contemporaries to express in worship. We join when them as we sing…
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
It is so easy to lean on other things and not fully trust the Lord. Working to acknowledge Him in all our ways is a good antidote though. When we are convinced He is our Inheritance, as the previous line declares, we find it much easier to put Him and Him alone first in our heart. We love others to be sure, but none so much as Him.
RESONATE!
Do you know what it looks like to put Him first in your heart? Ask Jesus to show you today. “Jesus, show me the way to make you first today.” What are a couple ways you are feeling inclined to make God first in your heart? What will you do about that prompting today?
High King
Sometimes I look into the heavens and marvel at the fact that the One who made them not only cares for me, but wants me to see Him as the treasure that He is. He reveals Himself to me as such in those moments, but I all too quickly forget. How about you?
I was running some errands just last night and walked out to my vehicle to see a sunset which literally took my breath away. It was one of a thousand I have seen that revealed to me the creative wonder of the Lord God. Each of them a form of riches I should treasure more than anything this earth affords.
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5 ESV
This is the opening of Nehemiah’s prayer after days of mourning, fasting and praying. It was not a quick and easy acclamation but one he was still determined to make. Are you so resolved?
We set out on this journey believing He is our Treasure, but the further we go the more we realize just how true that is. Wherever you are on that journey, ask your King to take you higher into the knowledge of what Treasure He truly is, now and forevermore.
High King of Heaven, lift me to a greater knowledge of You.
RESONATE!
Take a moment and allow the Lord to search your heart to reveal if He is your treasure. If He reveals any competitors, renounce them and place Him first in your heart. Then ask Him to help you see the Treasure He truly is and to cherish Him rightly.
Lord God of heaven, thank You for revealing the great and awesome works of creation. I long to live ever in awe of the Treasure You are. Forgive me for the many times I have failed to do so. I am grateful You are calling me back to practicing that priority. In Jesus name. Amen.
Exalted Thinking!
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Podcast 25.4 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 ESV
There are many tempting things in the world, but when God fills our vision these things pale in comparison. Ask Him to help you overcome these lesser things as He fills your gaze.
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
He is and has everything we need both now and forever. With this is mind, we commit to turn from the things that would impair our glorious pursuit of Him and run with abandon to the One who is our Inheritance. Tell Him, maybe again, you will place your trust in Him alone.
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
It is so easy to lean on other things and not fully trust the Lord. Working to acknowledge Him in all our ways is a good antidote though. What are a couple ways you are feeling inclined to make God first in your heart? What will you do about that prompting today?
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5 ESV
This is the opening of Nehemiah’s prayer after days of mourning, fasting and praying. It was not a quick and easy acclamation but one he was still determined to make. Are you so resolved? Take a moment and allow the Lord to search your heart to see if He is your treasure.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time,
Be Resonant.
The post Is the King of Heaven Your Highest Treasure? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
Thou and Thou Only First in My Heart – https://pixabay.com/vectors/first-aid-medical-medicine-doctor-2789561/
High King of Heaven My Treasure Thou Art – https://pixabay.com/photos/tree-field-calm-tranquil-scene-736875/
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