flow

Last week we looked at the Doxology and how it can be a game changer for our motives, actions and perceptions. I suggested the “Word Emphasis” exercise of repeating the first phrase (Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow) and changing the emphasis on each word… except for the word “flow.”

Some of you may think I left that out by accident or couldn't think of a good way to describe it. Actually, I left it out on purpose. This 4-letter word has a significant impact on our lives and on the meaning of the Doxology.

Flow has several meanings and connotations:

1. to issue or move in a stream 
2. to move with a continual change of place among the constituent particles
3. to proceed smoothly and readily
4. to derive from a source

Flow brings to mind images of movement… continuous movement. Synonyms include pour, roll, run, and stream. These are all active words. There is nothing passive about them.

Could you imagine the Doxology saying written to read:

   Praise God From Whom All Blessings Sit Tight

   Praise God From Whom All Blessings Stagnate

   Praise God From Whom All Blessings Are A One And Done

   Praise God From Whom All Blessings Have An Ending Point

   Praise God From Whom All Blessings Start But Stop

That would be depressing. Where is the hope in that? What can you count on? What makes you get out of bed without the promise of God’s blessings flowing?

This may seem basic to some… but, nevertheless, this is truth that provides hope… that helps us grow in our trust in Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I can get down and frustrated. I can feel like I am stuck. It sometimes feels like there is no flow. But the reality is, there is always flow… and it’s all of a result of God’s plan and blessings.

Keep on reading, reflecting on and praying these words:

   Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
   Praise Him, all creatures here below;
   Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
   Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Thomas Ken, 1674