"Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty, Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee. Holy, holy, holy, Merciful and mighty, God in three Persons blessed Trinity.
"Holy, holy, holy, Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see. Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity."
If you're looking for a song to get you into a spirit of praise and devotion, this is the number. This song has been covered by everyone from Bing Crosby to Ronnie Milsap, and for good reason. The catchy melody by John Dykes and memorable words by Reginald Heber do what great worship songs do: they lift us to a place where our hearts, though weighed down by the world, can break free—rejoicing in the truth of God's complete dominion over the universe and His selfless love toward mankind.
If only we could remember and take it to heart that the Christian life is one of complete triumph! Life can be perilous; there is no doubt about that. And while we may experience some blows in life, they will eventually pass. Though a cloud may hang over our lives, there is victory. There is the knowledge that whatever we face, we do not face it alone. Jesus is there, and like the psalmist of old, we, too, can declare to God the Father: "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing Your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever!" (Psalm 30:11-12).
Holy, holy, holy! Before the sovereign God of the universe, there is nothing we can do but praise and worship our Creator and Redeemer. Whatever else takes place in heaven, we can be sure the atmosphere there reverberates with love and adoration for Him. The Scriptures tell us so: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" proclaimed one six-winged seraphim to another in chorus above the throne of God (see Isaiah 6:1-3).
Hundreds of years later, after the Son of God had made atonement for our sins, John experienced his own sweeping vision of heaven while on the isle of Patmos. Again, there was the familiar refrain: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8b)
Thrice holy is our Triune God!
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty, All Thy works shall praise Thy Name in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy, Merciful and mighty, God in three Persons blessed Trinity."
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we lift up our voices in praise to You. You are holy, and there is none like You. Work in us through Your Holy Spirit to live as Your people, holy and set apart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. It is based on the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy" which is found on page 507 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 9-11 Matthew 25:31-46
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