1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

It is interesting to note the various times in his letters Paul interrupts what he is saying to give a paean of praise to God. This is called a doxology, and like benedictions, we have formalized and liturgized them, to our loss, I think. The doxologies we sing in church are great, but when they become habit, pro forma, they lose their meaning. Thankfully, some of them are powerful enough that they can stir our hearts even in liturgical use, and this is one of those. Paul has just been talking about how far he was from God, even though he had good intentions, and how God chose to save and use him in spite of himself. That awareness overwhelms him, and he breaks into this doxology. The musical arrangement of it I’m most familiar with is modern, and I haven’t heard it used in “traditional” church services, but it certainly implants it in the mind and heart! We too need to be so aware of God’s love and grace that appreciation for it interrupts our train of thought. After all, praise and worship will be our major occupation in heaven, whatever else we might be doing!

Growing up in a musical, believing family, sung doxologies and, for that matter, benedictions, are very much part of who I am. However, I must not let the music take precedence over the content and intent of the lyrics. Frankly, times of being overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God haven’t been that frequent in my life. I need more of them! Yesterday I was deeply blessed to hear noise outside and discover that one of our church members had showed up with his weed eater and had gotten to work, entirely on his own. That caused me to praise God, not simply for the actual work done but because of the commitment and spiritual growth it demonstrated in that believer. I’m sure it was an excellent experience for his younger-teenage son, whom he brought along to help out. God is very much at work in this church! I didn’t think of it as a “doxology” at the time, but I did express my gratitude to God as I was talking with my wife. I should not hesitate to praise God in the presence and hearing of others, because that gives Him glory and draws them to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for continuing to grow me, to form me into the son and servant You desire. May I cooperate with that fully, so that Your will may be done in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!