Charles Wesley - Worship, And Thanks, And Blessing Lyrics

Meaning & Inspiration

On March 6, 2021, the timeless hymn "Worship, And Thanks, And Blessing," penned by the prolific Charles Wesley, experienced a contemporary resurgence, reaffirming its profound message for a new generation. While Wesley composed this hymn centuries ago, its spirit and theological depth remain as vital today as when first written, a testament to the enduring power of divinely inspired song. Wesley's genius lay in his ability to articulate complex Christian doctrines and experiences in accessible, singable poetry, creating anthems that not only taught but also transformed. This particular hymn emerges from a context of deep faith amidst life's trials, serving as a robust declaration of Christ's absolute supremacy and unfailing deliverance, drawing heavily on the Old Testament narrative of the Exodus to illustrate God's unchanging character. It is a song of testimony, a collective voice declaring God's active presence and power in the lives of believers, moving from present adoration to historical remembrance, and finally to future commitment.

The hymn opens with an immediate call to ascribe "Worship, and thanks, and blessing, and strength" to Jesus, establishing Him as the sole defender when "earth and hell oppress us." This powerful opening sets the tone for a song deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of spiritual warfare and divine protection. It echoes the profound truth found in Philippians 2:9-11, proclaiming Jesus' exalted name above all others, and resonates with the assurance of 1 John 4:4, that "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." The hymn then affirms the joyous witness of Jesus' omnipotence to deliver, a sealing of God's truth, asserting His eternal reign as King, a truth powerfully depicted in Revelation 19:16 where Christ is named "King of kings and Lord of lords." This first stanza establishes the foundation of unwavering faith in Christ's present and eternal sovereignty.

Moving into the second stanza, the worshiper addresses the "Omnipotent Redeemer," acknowledging the ransomed state of their souls and giving all glory to Christ as their Saviour. This speaks directly to the core of redemption, the act by which Christ's sacrifice frees humanity from sin and death, a concept beautifully articulated in Romans 5:8. The subsequent lines celebrate God's "arm unshortened" through sore temptation, finding joy in Him as the "God of our salvation." This imagery of an "unshortened arm" directly references Isaiah 59:1, where God's power is shown to be undiminished, able to save fully and completely regardless of the depth of human struggle. The experience of coming through trials, as described here, aligns with the perspective in James 1:2-4, where trials are understood to produce steadfastness, leading to maturity in faith.

The third stanza vividly employs the powerful biblical metaphor of the Exodus, recounting how God's "arm hath safely brought us a way no more expected, than when thy sheep passed through the deep, by crystal walls protected." This direct allusion to Exodus 14 and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea serves as a profound typology for Christ's deliverance in every believer's life. Just as God's glory was the "rear-ward" and His hand covered the Israelites, so too does He shield and guide His people through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Isaiah 52:12 confirms this divine protection, stating that the Lord will "go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." This stanza celebrates a personal and communal experience of God’s intervention, allowing the faithful to declare, "And we, even we, have passed the sea, and marched triumphant over," a powerful testament to the reality of His saving grace in the face of impossible circumstances.

Finally, the hymn concludes by exalting Jesus for confounding "the world, and Satan's malice," a triumphant declaration of victory over spiritual adversaries. This aligns with Christ's own promise in John 16:33: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Through His grace, believers' "happy souls resounded" with songs of praise, accepting deliverance and triumphing in His favor. The hymn then solidifies a commitment to eternal gratitude, stating, "for the love which now we prove, shall praise thy name for ever." This concluding commitment is not merely a transient feeling but an enduring promise, rooted in the demonstrated love of God, a love that compels worship and thanksgiving indefinitely. It encapsulates the essence of Revelation 7:9-12, where a multitude from every nation stands before the throne, offering eternal praise and thanksgiving to God and the Lamb for their salvation and enduring faithfulness. "Worship, And Thanks, And Blessing" ultimately stands as a stirring anthem of praise, rooted in scriptural truth, testifying to Christ's present power, past deliverance, and eternal reign, inspiring those who sing it to live lives of perpetual gratitude and confident adoration.