"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms" - (Ps. 95:2)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." - Eph 1:3
We often sing these timeless words:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen."
These simple yet profound lines capture the essence of the believer's response to God — a doxology, a word of praise flowing from grateful hearts. The word doxology comes from two Greek words: doxa (glory, praise) and logos (word, saying). It means "a word of glory" — when truth about God turns into worship toward God.
When we truly understand who God is and what He has done, something inside us can't stay silent. It's like a kettle on the stove — when the water boils, it can't help but whistle. A heart filled with God's goodness can't help but praise!
1. The Source of Doxology — Who God Is
Before Paul asks for anything, he blesses God. Doxology begins with who God is, not what we want.
A little boy was drawing a picture in Sunday school. The teacher asked, "What are you drawing?" He said, "God." The teacher smiled, "But no one knows what God looks like." The boy replied, "They will when I finish!" That's what praise does — it paints a clearer picture of God for others to see. But...
2. The Substance of Doxology — What God Has Done
Paul praises God for spiritual blessings — not material things, but eternal riches in Christ:
During a fierce storm, a sailor was washed overboard but managed to grab a rope and cling to it until rescued. When asked later how he held on so long, he said, "Sir, I didn't hold the rope — the rope held me!" That's redemption — God's grace holds us fast. That alone is reason enough to sing a doxology.
3. The Spirit of Doxology — How We Respond
True doxology is not confined to a songbook or a Sunday service. It is praise that flows from the heart, even in hardship. Paul wrote his doxology from prison. Even in chains, he said, "Rejoice in the Lord always."
A nightingale sings the loudest in the dark. Likewise, believers sing their sweetest songs in their darkest nights. When you can still say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord" after losing everything, that's doxology in its purest form.
4. The Spread of Doxology — Why It Matters
Our praise becomes a testimony that points others to God. The ultimate purpose of life, salvation, and creation is this: to bring glory to God.
Romans 11:36 declares, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever!"
A missionary once taught a newly converted tribe a hymn of praise. When they learned it, they said, "Now that we can praise God, we can't keep it to ourselves." The next day, they were teaching the same song to another village. That's how doxology spreads — praise is contagious!
Conclusion
Doxology is heaven's language — and believers begin speaking it now. Don't wait for everything to be perfect to praise God; praise Him because He is perfect in everything. So whether you're in a storm or a sanctuary, let your heart say: "To God be the glory, great things He has done!"
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"
- Bishop Joseph Mutua Muindi
General Overseer, Cornerstone Christian Church Int'l
Nairobi, Kenya
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