Through Him and To Him

DOX-OL-O-GY: noun; liturgical formula for praising God.

The word “doxology” is a theological term that is not widely used in Christian nomenclature anymore because the gravity of the word is difficult to elaborate on. The reason I’m talking about “doxology” (or in my definition, a short hymn to praise God) today is because we sometimes miss out on praising God in the Monday-Saturdays of our lives and I believe talking about a doxology may help frame our minds and hearts toward a lifestyle that takes more advantage of opportunities to praise God.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36 ESV)

In the passage that is concluded by verse 36, we find the Apostle Paul gives his rationale to why he believes God saves. That rationale is simply beautiful and rich with application to our daily lives. He says God is the reason, God is the purpose, God is the end all, of everything that happened, happens, or will happen. This means that our lives and the circumstances that we face, the success, and the fame and power that comes with success, and even the hardships we painstakingly endure– all of that is through God, and to God for God’s glory.

Let’s give thanks to God in praise when anything happens in our lives, when we’re in the middle of life. That means if your flight is delayed 6 hours and you’re trying to get home on a Thursday night, give thanks to God. If you got passed up for that promotion at work again, give thanks to God. If you received an unexpected delivery, give thanks to God. If you’re sitting in traffic reading this (I hope not), give thanks to God. If you made the largest sale of your career, give thanks to God. If you met the future Mrs or future Mr, give thanks to God.

The point is the formula for praying and giving thanks to God is everywhere and through everything because God’s purposes are for His glory and your life is in God’s hands from Him and through Him. That’s God’s glory for your life.