This is a wonderfully familiar hymn that you know, so sing along…
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see.
Thanks for singing along with me that hymn of praise, and in so doing you just fulfilled the purpose for which you were created. Because the whole point of being created in the image of God is that human beings should display God. That’s what images do. When our mouths are empty of praise for God, it’s probably because our hearts are full of love for ourselves. So C.S. Lewis was exactly right when he wrote, “The world rings with praise – lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game – praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, historic personages, children, flowers, mountains, rare stamps, rare beetles, even sometimes politicians or scholars. I had not noticed how the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and large minds, praised most, while the cranks and misfits and malcontents praised the least.”
You know, this is why I’m convinced that singing hymns is medicine for cranks and misfits, and malcontents – people who are so full of themselves that they can scarcely see, let alone celebrate, the simple beauties of our great Creator on display all around us. Because when you sing a hymn, I like to think of it as a way of refreshing the soul and renewing the mind – especially when you memorize the words to a hymn. I mean take the one we just sang: “Amazing Grace.” You probably know the words by heart, right? At least two or three stanzas. Have you ever used these words as a way of praying? “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; Lord, you’re right: I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind but you made me see.” Just speaking the words of a hymn in prayer refreshes and renews; it enlarges your heart and vision and no longer can you be a cranky, malcontent misfit.
So today, sometime before the day is out, take a hymnal off the shelf and pick a song, any song, and voice the words to God in a prayer of praise. The point of you being created in the image of God is that you were destined to display him. That’s what images do, like I said, so leave the cranky malcontent behind. There’s no reason to have a sour disposition. And if you need help, stop by my radio page today at joniradio.org and ask for the CD collection of some beautiful praise hymns and songs that I’ve recorded; one with my sister, another with my friend, and one even with my husband. It’ll help you today as you look beyond yourself and take time to fulfill the destiny for which you were created. You were created to be to the praise of his glory. That’s God’s grace to you, and as far as I’m concerned that is pretty amazing! See you later, friend, until next time on Joni and Friends.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends