O’ To Sing His Praise

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:6 NIV

In the church I grew up in, the first song in the hymnal was, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”  The song was written by Charles Wesley in 1739 while he was sick. It was a tribute to his mentor who told him to always sing of God’s goodness even through difficulties. The song focuses on God’s grace and mercy, a testimony of Wesley’s faith even through challenges.

I ran across the hymnal and saw that song. It took me back to my childhood church. I could hear the pianist playing each note with great zeal.  I remembered standing on the pew, so I could see the song leader, with my dad’s and mom’s arms wrapped around me, so I would not fall. I would sing all seven verses the best I could.

As I began reading the verses, I could hear that old church piano playing, and I started to sing the song. The first verse, “O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!” rang in my head throughout the day. Each time a challenge hit me that day, I heard that verse.

I think that must be what heaven is like-thousands of voices singing praise to our Savior. I thought about Wesley. When he wrote this song, he was facing great challenges but continued to praise God in his storm. Wesley knew the key to surviving the rough seas was prayer and worship. The disciples knew that when their boat was rocking in the storm, Jesus was the only one who could calm the seas. Praising God brings you closer to Him, even when your tears are falling.

Facing some dark days in my own life, I felt that God was speaking to me through that verse. Life can be like Holy Week yearlong-we must go through some dark Fridays and silent Saturdays to get to the beauty of a Sunday’s sunrise. But throughout it all, we can sing praises to Him.

Mitzie Avera