I Exalt Thee

I was fortunate to have a childhood with parents who were Christians. Although the people in the church were not perfect (obviously), I grew up singing fun songs in Sunday School like "Father Abraham Had Many Sons," "Beloved, Let Us Love One Another," and "I am a Christian." I also sang songs found in my handheld hymn book like "Amazing Grace," "It is Well With My Soul," and "The Old Rugged Cross," songs that still to this day bring me to a place of praise, peace, and reverence before our Lord.

During my teen years, I started singing more contemporary praise and worship songs during church services or Bible camps, lifting my hands and heart to my Lord, God, and Savior. As I have grown in my faith, worship songs have become a way to come before God, with words that reflect my longing for a deeper relationship with him.

For the past few days, one worship song has consistently been in my mind...I Exalt Thee. Written by Pete Sanchez as a praise song, the lyrics resonate in my heart, reminding me to look up and praise our eternal God without being distracted by the temporary things around me.

The song starts with the words, "For thou, O Lord, art high above all the Earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods."

The starting lyrics of this song remind me of The Lord's prayer, found in Matthew 6: 9-13 of the New Testament, where Jesus instructs his disciples how to pray, starting with, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." The song and, most importantly, the prayer say the same thing: God deserves nothing less than to be exalted, his name deserving our praise and adoration because he is above all.

In the Old Testament, Psalm 57, verses 5 and 11 say, "Be lifted up, O God, higher than the heavens, let your glory be over all the Earth." It is awe-inspiring that God is not limited to our immediate surroundings or circumstances, so we can confidently exalt him, secure in the knowledge that he is above us and deserving of our praise! 

The song then continues with heartfelt words in the chorus, "I exalt thee, I exalt thee, I exalt thee, O Lord," heartfelt words of repetition that reflect the awe and surrender we should feel towards God.

There are many things in life we can exalt. After all, to exalt means to elevate or glorify. We may choose to exalt the opinions of others, our self-worth, consequences, our possessions or wealth, or even our blessings. Yet, only God deserves to be glorified, not because of what he gives us, but because of who he is, the only God whose very name deserves our adoration!

The second stanza starts with the words: "Oh with all we have, And with all we are, We have come so far, To lift up Your Name."

Praising God is an honor and an integral part of our walk with him. Psalm 96: 8-9 tells us to "Give to the Lord the glory he deserves" and to "Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor." We are called to worship, and as we live by faith and see God's glory and holiness in our lives, it becomes easier and more fulfilling to give him all we have and are.

Remember, though, that it can sometimes be all too easy to elevate what God has given us, focusing on the things and not the giver of them, admiring the splendor of his gift instead of the giver of all - our Lord and Savior. 

The last words of the second stanza come right to the heart of what it means to exalt God by humbling ourselves when it says, "This love, this song, this praise, Is what we bring to You."

Think About It

Have you ever, or perhaps recently, felt the magnitude of the salvation that comes from Christ's sacrifice? 

Has God's love ever caused your heart to stop with humility and gratitude when you have had quiet time with him, received a word of encouragement from a friend, or read a scripture that perfectly spoke to you in your time of need? 

Is there a praise and worship song that reaches into your heart when you hear and sing the words? Find the scripture on which the song is based, and let those words be written on your heart.

Pray About It

Lord, 

I am humbled by your love when I  bring myself to you. Even more astounding to me is when it feels difficult, daunting, and impossible to find words to express our gratitude, you listen to my heart's secret whispers! Whether in song, worship, or scripture, there is always a reason to exalt you, Father, because you are worthy of praise and exultation above everything and everyone in my life!

Amen