Thomas Kelly, 1769–1854
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:11, 12)
God’s people have always been and will always be a “praising people.” God created and chose us in order that we “might be for the praise of His glory,” the sum of all that God is and does. The song of praise began at creation when “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). It was furthered during the Old Testament period by the Israelites, who were widely known for their “singing faith.” The song of praise was echoed by the angelic chorus announcing Christ’s birth. It has been proclaimed and published by pastors, hymn writers, and singers throughout the centuries. And it is rehearsed each week by worshiping believers everywhere as they prepare for the new song of praise and worship that will continue throughout eternity.
Thomas Kelly is considered to be one of the most distinguished spiritual poets of the 19th century. After his dismissal from the Anglican church for his zealous evangelical preaching, especially on the subject of “justification by faith”—a doctrinal taboo by the High Church, he associated himself with the dissenting Congregationalists, becoming known as a magnetic preacher throughout his ministry.
These inspiring two-line verses by Thomas Kelly, based on Psalm 88:1, were published in 1809. The melody of this hymn is of unknown German origin.
Praise the Savior, ye who know Him! Who can tell how much we owe Him? Gladly let us render to Him all we are and have.
Jesus is the name that charms us; He for conflict fits and arms us. Nothing moves and nothing harms us while we trust in Him.
Trust in Him, ye saints, forever—He is faithful, changing never. Neither force nor guile can sever those He loves from Him.
Keep us, Lord, O keep us cleaving to Thyself, and still believing, till the hour of our receiving promised joys with Thee.
Then we shall be where we would be; then we shall be what we should be. Things that are not now, nor could be, soon shall be our own.
The psalmist declared that he praised God seven times a day for His righteous laws (Psalm 119:164). Determine to spend some time throughout this day in offering your voice of praise to the Lord. Use this hymn to help—
For Today: Psalm 66:2; 88:1; 96:7, 8; 100:4; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 4:11
Osbeck, K. W.
- Sing forth the glory of his Name: make his praise glorious. Psalm 66:2
- O Lord God of my salvation, I cry day and night before thee. Psalm 88:1
- Give unto the Lord, ye families of the people: give unto the Lord glory and power. Give unto the Lord the glory of his Name: being an offering, and enter into his courts. Psalm 96:7-8
- Enter into his gats with praise, and into his courts with rejoicing: praise him and bless his Name. Psalm 100:4
- Let us therefore by him offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is, the fruit of the lips, which confess his Name. Hebrews 13:15
- Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy will’s sake they are, and have been created. Revelation 4:11
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