Help Us, Thy Name to Sing!

There is a shrewd, virile strain running in the blood stream of most North American Christians. It’s a very self-reliant bug, one that thinks worship is something that boils up from my own rugged individualism. “I worship how ever I want, and God has just gotta be mighty pleased I have even given Him the time of day. I’ve got the good old American know how, and I’ve got the power!”

But the Bible is clear: It’s God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil. 2.13); It’s the gift of the Spirit by which we can even cry out, “Abba, Father” and pray (Rom. 8.15, 26-27); It’s Christ Jesus who takes away the veil over our hearts so that we can finally hear and receive the Word of the Lord (2 Cor. 3.14-16); and even real Christian preaching is only accomplished by God working in the preacher, as the Apostle Paul says, “Christ we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily” (Col. 1.28-29). We are only able to worship God by the grace of God: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, making us fit and able.

This Bible-truth is relayed beautifully, thoughtfully, clearly in the old hymn:

Come, Thou almighty King, Help us Thy name to sing, Help us to praise!
Father all-glorious, O'er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.

Come, Thou Incarnate Word, Gird on Thy mighty sword, Our prayer attend;
Come and Thy people bless And give Thy Word success; Spirit of holiness, on us descend.

Come, Holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear In this glad hour. Thou, who almighty art,
Now rule in every heart And ne'er from us depart, Spirit of Power!

To the great One in Three Eternal praises be Hence evermore!
His sovereign majesty May we in glory see And to eternity Love and adore!
 Mike

Comments

michael said…
I don't think anyone can argue with these reflections. God bless, Michael Cannon

Popular posts from this blog

“The Shift” - 2023 Movie. A Review

"On Getting Out of Bed" by Alan Noble. A Review

Community?