O measureless might ineffable love
While angels delight to worship Thee above
The humbler creation though feeble their lays
With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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, think about how God’s care flows through the majestic and the minute. From grand vistas to the closest droplet of water it is everywhere. Do you have eyes to see it? Let’s think about this.

Lays? Like the potato chips

There are quite a few expressions and words that are a bit archaic in our hymns, but this one may be at the top of the list. It took a bit a research and digging to find a satisfactory explanation of the word “lays”. After combing through many different definitions, and there are quite a few uses of this word, one finally jumped out.

lay (leɪ) 

n

1. (Poetry) a ballad or short narrative poem, esp one intended to be sung
2. (Music, other) a song or melody

[C13: from Old French lai, perhaps of Germanic origin]

A lay in this usage is a song or melody. That makes sense but it is a use I had never heard. Maybe that is one of the reasons this final stanzas is not often used, even though the imagery is inspiring.

The humbler creation though feeble their lays

…what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor. Pslam 8:4-5 ESV

Our songs are simply feeble compared to those offered by the angels on high. We are made a little lower than them, so our praise is not as magnificent as theirs. Still He has crowned us with glory and honor, not the least of which is the joy of offering Him praise.

The humbler creation though feeble their lays

…what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor. Pslam 8:4-5 ESV

Our songs are simply feeble compared to those offered by the angels on high. We are made a little lower than them, so our praise is not as magnificent as theirs. Still He has crowned us with glory and honor, not the least of which is the joy of offering Him praise. Even though our praise my be humbler than theirs that does not stop us from offering the best we have now, even as we long for more.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about your song of praise. It is humble and imperfect, but God loves to hear it. Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, help me offer my best praise today.” Then trust Him to do just that.

All Creation

When Jesus returns there will be no one left out of offering Him praise. The Father has given Him the name that is above every other name. Accordingly, He will receive praise that is due no one else and everyone will offer it.

It begs the question, “Are you offering your songs of praise in this season in a way that is welcoming others to join you?” Our songs may be humble expressions of His matchless worth but we should still be offering them so others have a chance to hear them and sing along. And we should be inviting others to come along with us when we go to sing our humble songs. Maybe they will be confronted and comforted by the awesome reality that is our God.

You do sing His praise, right? When was the last time you invited someone to come with you to wherever you sing His praise? Decide today to invite someone to join you soon. That way when Jesus comes back they just might be ready to join the praise as opposed to those who will not be.

With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise

…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11 ESV

How we long for that day when all creation will join us in the worship of the King! They may not choose to do so yet, but that day is coming when they will no longer have a choice. Every tongue will confess His worth. Hallelujah!

When we sing His praise it makes us long for more. And more is coming. More and better praise by more of creation, frankly all of creation. We long for that day when every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord. May we praise Him now in such a way that many join us even before that Great Day arrives.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider what that day will be like when we offer our praise to with all creation. May there be many who gladly sing with us that day because they chose to offer their humble praise when they heard us offer ours. Pray simply, “Jesus, help me praise You in a way that welcomes others to join.“

Lord, thank You for welcoming me to join the praise. Help me to turn and welcome other to do the same, even as I long for Your return. In Jesus name. Amen.

Expectant Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
The humbler creation though feeble their lays – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/his-decoration-music-ears-show-3243259/
With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise – http://www.praise-and-worship.com/jesus-christ-second-coming.html

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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, think about how God’s care flows through the majestic and the minute. From grand vistas to the closest droplet of water it is everywhere. Do you have eyes to see it? Let’s think about this.

Tender and Firm

When do you most appreciate mercy? Whenever you need it!

Sometimes we are keenly aware of just how much we need mercy. We have fallen and failed and we have little hope of being able to get back up. Mercy extended from one who can help us up is appreciated, especially when that one has every right to withhold it.

Have you ever let someone down? Failed to follow through on a promise? Made a mistake that cost you some emotional capital? We have all been in need of mercy at some point. When the mercy extended is tender it is much easier to receive. But what about firm mercy?

There are at least two ways of thinking of firm. The first is sure, solidly in place and stable. That is the kind of mercy I have thrown my life toward. The kind of mercy I can count on when I need it most. God’s mercy.

The second is similar but just a little different, that is unlikely to change. This is a firm that is not dependent on my actions or merits but rather is independent and unyielding. How glad I am that can also be said of God’s mercy.

Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; Lamentations 3:22 ESV

We fail because we are frail. Thankfully, the same is not true of our God or His love for us. Even when we fail Him His love covers all those weaknesses because it is firm to the end. And yet it is also tender and gently helps us back up when we fall. There is no one like our King!

We also learn that God is not only trustworthy and unfailing, but also His mercy presents an unparalleled mixture of tenderness and firmness. Praise God His mercy is tender for there are many times we need it to be. And also praise Him that it is firm, never wavering.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about God’s mercy. It is tender and firm. Which expression of it do you most need today? Pray this simple prayer, “God, I praise You for mercy tender and firm.” Then through yourself at HIs mercy once again.

My Help

There is no single word that can fully describe this King, our King. This last line uses four different ones in an attempt to capture at least a glimpse of this One who is so unlike any other. Still we are left realizing we have barely scratched the surface of His value.

God has different names or titles because He meets us in so many different circumstances. They words used to describe Him help remind each of us of all the ways He has helped us before. What word or name of God is most meaningful to you today? It is probably different than the one you will be thankful for tomorrow.

Yet it will have this constant: It will be the most vibrant response to your greatest need. You generally will not need to ponder or think of it because it will be right on the tip of your tongue. He wants to help you.

Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. Isaiah 54:5 ESV

He made us, then made us His own. He gives us a choice, but why would anyone look for protection anywhere else? He redeems us from all our failings, and not just us, but the whole earth, demonstrating He is a friend to all, but especially those who love Him.

He made us. He defends us. He is redeeming us. And so much more! Why? Because He is our Friend. He is unwilling to leave us in our feeble and frail state, but makes a way for each of us to find rest and peace in Him if we will but acknowledge Him for who He is.

Lord, thank You for being my Friend.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God has helped you today, this week, this season. He knows what we need even better than we do, and longs to be the help we need. All of that flows from His desire to be our Friend. Pray simply, “Lord, thank You for being my Friend.“

Lord, thank You for every demonstration of mercy. When I stop long enough to ponder them I am overwhelmed by Your kindness to Me. You are my Help. In Jesus name. Amen.

Grateful Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end – https://pixabay.com/photos/man-fall-action-falling-1838330/
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/help-information-problem-solution-1013700/

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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, think about how God’s care flows through the majestic and the minute. From grand vistas to the closest droplet of water it is everywhere. Do you have eyes to see it? Let’s think about this.

Streams Descending

From the light and air of the previous line, we turn our attention to the care of God expressed in the flowing stream. What beautiful imagery making the profound and extravagant accessible and within reach. God’s bountiful care flows to us like the waters from on high, trickling down through raindrop and rivulet to quench our thirst and refresh our souls.

There is a sense in which this flow is unstoppable. It works its way down to us from on high, and finds some course to flow with the pull of gravity to the lowest places we may visit. Using the downward descent of water to portray the care of our God to us is inspiring.

It streams from the hills it descends to the plain

But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, Deuteronomy 11:11 ESV

Though the Scripture here is addressing the Promised Land the Israelites were about to inherit and actual water flowing there, they are but one illustration of God’s care. Even so, they are a beautiful representation of it. His care flows from heaven and our lives drink it up.

This is good news because we all find ourselves in thirsty places at one time or another. It can seem like God’s care is so far off in those moments when our weary souls become parched. The imagery of this stanza reminds us that God’s care will flow to us if we will simply walk in His promises.

Whether you find yourself on a mountaintop or a valley you are not outside of the reach of God’s plentiful kindness. It will meet you wherever you are if you will simply open yourself up to its flow, and wait for it. Whatever you need today, wait for His streams of care to flow to you.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about God’s care flowing down to you. Are you willing to wait for it? Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, help me wait for Your streams of care.” Then find your soul refreshed in His streams.

Sweetly Distilled

God’s care flows to us from above. We must learn to wait and allow it to collect into droplets of blessing. Often times we miss it because we are in too much of a hurry to let it distill.

Just like the process of distilling extracts the essence of something, whether physically of linguistically, it happens a little at a time. It is a process that truly can not be rushed. God’s care sometimes appears slowly or in small quantities at a time. Dew and rain are perfect picture of how His care sometimes flows to us.

Is there an area of your life that needs His care? Will you wait for it to distill to appear slowly, or will you impatiently complain that it is not coming quickly enough? Sometimes it stream from the hills, and other times it sweetly distills. God knows what is best for you. Wait for the refreshing to come in the fashion that serves His purposes best.

And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. Deuteronomy 32:2 ESV

There is a refreshing that comes with the dew and the rain. Even the anticipation of it can be felt in the air. Our souls can receive God’s instruction in a similar way. His instruction is one of the simplest and most profound ways He cares for us. How will you receive it today?

The quiet and gentle gathering together of the smallest expressions of God’s care is sweet indeed. As you open your heart to that accumulation prepare to find your soul refreshed, not only in the flow but even in the process. Hoping in God’s care changes your entire perspective.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God’s care may be distilling for you today, this week, this season. It probably is coming more slowly than you might like, but the flow is perfectly controlled by our gracious King. Wait for it. Put your hope in it and Him. Pray simply, “Lord, my hope is in Your care.”

Lord, thank You for how You care for me. Never overwhelming, but just right. Teach me to wait for your care to come at the pace You have ordained. In Jesus name. Amen.

Receptive Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain – https://pixabay.com/photos/wilderness-river-mountains-nature-5381117/
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain – https://pixabay.com/photos/pine-pinus-needle-leaves-drop-dew-3127210/

O tell of His might O sing of His grace
Whose robe is the light whose canopy space
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 classic text and hymn, think about what it will mean to sincerely offer each part of your life and your entire life to God. It requires diligence and intentionality. Thanks for joining us in this grand pursuit. Let’s think about this.

Thunderclouds Formed by Wrath

His activity, riding around in His chariot of wrath, creates the thunderclouds? Does God ride around in a chariot? Does that chariot form the thunderclouds? And where does His wrath figure into all that?

We might be tempted to think these are simply beautiful word pictures used by the hymn writer to stir our imagination. But they are not simply that. The Scripture bears out the truth behind the imagery.

God is real and His activity and movements have effects on the world in which we live. These truths help us to cultivate an awareness of God and an appreciation of His power revealed to us. Then there is His wrath.

He has clearly spoken that there are consequences to our actions. In a global sense, our actions are rebellious and illicit a response from God. We deserve His wrath, but instead He often gives us His mercy. Even still, there is the reality of wrath for all the wrongs of mankind, and just maybe His thunderclouds warn that a day of reckoning is coming.

His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form

He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
    he rides on the wings of the wind; Psalm 104:3 ESV

Thunderclouds are His chariot. He rides on them. Wow! But chariots of wrath? What makes this great King extremely angry? Could it be because His creatures do not choose to worship Him when He is so worthy? Might He be inviting us to respond to His power in awe and wonder?

Thunderclouds are formed in the wake of His wrathful chariots, as He moves about the heavens accomplishing His divine purposes. What do you imagine stirs up that wrath? Ask Him to reveal that to you and then respond in wonder and worship.

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about what may stir Gods wrath. Do you play a part in that? Pray this simple prayer, “God, reveal what stirs up Your wrath.” Then respond in repentance and worship to what He shows you.

Storm Wings

The Scripture above not only spoke of the clouds as chariots for God, but also that He rides on the wings of the wind, in the last line here the wings of the storm. What does that mean? The phrase about the wind seems to mean with utmost velocity or the highest speed.

So, God is in a hurry? Or maybe it is equating His speed is as great as His power. That seems to make a little more sense. But there remains at least a bit of mystery in the imagery.

Then there is the description of His path being “dark”. Again we are challenged to think of God in ways that are not simply light. To me that implies a heaviness or seriousness which certainly must be a part of the way we imagine God.

And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
    which lifted up the waves of the sea…
He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:25, 29 ESV

Like horses that move at the will of their rider, so the storm clouds respond to the will of our God. The One who robes Himself in light travels a dark path through the storm. Seems like an interesting juxtaposition, even mysterious. So is our King, Commander of the winds and waves.

The wings of the storm? Like the edges, or that which causes the storm to move. The imagery here is very powerful. Darkness, wrath, storms and thunder, God on the move revealing His might. What impact on you and your worship will that revelation have today?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God reveals Himself in the dark movement of the storms in the heavens, and the ones in our lives. When things get dark are you willing to consider God might still be very much in the middle of them? Ask God for eyes to see Him in the darkness. Pray simply, “Spirit, help me respond in worship.” 

Lord, thank You for the mysterious and powerful ways You reveal Yourself to us. Help me to always have my eyes wide open to see them. When I do, please help me respond in worship. In Jesus name. Amen.

Awe-filled Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form – https://pixabay.com/photos/panorama-nature-landscape-heaven-3123470/
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm – https://pixabay.com/photos/thunderstorm-lightning-clouds-sky-6346810/

O worship the King all glorious above
And gratefully sing His power and His love
Our Shield and Defender the Ancient of Days
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 classic text and hymn, think about what it will mean to sincerely offer each part of your life and your entire life to God. It requires diligence and intentionality. Thanks for joining us in this grand pursuit. Let’s think about this.

Ancient of Days

The name used for God in this line conjures up some powerful images. This One who is our Shield and Defender has been around a long time and rules over all. The image above originally published in 1794 by William Blake is a depiction of the Ancient of Days marking off “the horizon on the face of the deep” as told in Proverbs 8:27. He told the horizon where it would be. He made the deep.

This hymn is meant to evoke a worshipful response from singer and listener alike. This imagery is very useful in that regard. Look at the horizon, consider the depths, and worship that ones who carefully draws the boundaries of each.

If He was careful and meticulous in how He crafted these things should our response not be as well? Do you believe He who made all we see and even what we can not see protects you from the same? That He is indeed your Shield and Defender?

Our Shield and Defender the Ancient of Days

“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. Daniel 7:9 ESV

This is an incredible description of this King we worship. A throne of fiery flames inspires awe in my heart. How about you? This same One is our Shield and Defender which reveals He is not only concerned about His glory, but also our good. Do you long to see Him face-to-face?

Not only has He redeemed us but He also protects us. This does not mean that we do not suffer or go through painful things for we live in a fallen world. It does remind us that we never do so alone. What do you need shielded from or defended against today?

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about your image of God. Can the image above fit within that. If not, do you need to expand it? Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, help me rest in Your protection today.” Then trust Him to help you do just that.

Pavilioned in Splendor

We can look into the skies and imagine what heaven must be like in terms of the arena in creates for God’s throne. What is more difficult for us to envision is the praise that circles that throne. Not only ours but that of all of God’s people across all time and space.

Oh that we could see the praise like we can see the splendor, or at least the representation of it in images like this sunset! Our ears can truly not even begin to conceive how marvelous that sound is and will be. We simply can not hear, but God can.

He hears the praise of His people. Every one. Simultaneously. Concurrently.

Will you join that incredible reality? Offer your worship to God right now and you will be a part of encircling Him with praise. It is that simple.

Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,
 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke! Psalms 104:31-32 ESV

A pavilion made by His glorious creation and praise rising up from all His creatures, what a magnificent picture. Lift your gaze today to the One whose glory will endure forever, and Who rejoices in His works, of which you are One. Marvel at His majesty and join the praise!

The heavens create a pavilion which puts the glory of our King on display, and the rest of creation declares His praise as well, but are you doing your part? Are you adding your praise to the cacophony of creation or are you mostly silent? Lift your voice in worship today!

RESONATE!
Are you a part of that encircling? Do you regularly offer your praise to God? Do it right now. Play the track above and sing along with it. Pray simply, “Lord, empower my praise.” 

Lord, thank You for allowing me the privilege of encircling You praise. How kind of You to reveal Yourself to me and invite me in. Help me to find my place it in every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Worshipful Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Our Shield and Defender the Ancient of Days – https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Europe_a_Prophecy_copy_K_plate_01.jpg
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-sun-sky-clouds-twilight-472981/