You may think I’ll be sharing the hymn by Charles Wesley written in 1739. And while that particular hymn has some beautiful words, I’ve chosen to jump ahead a few hundred years to the 1983 song, titled with the same words.

Both of these songs agree with King David that praising God is never-ending. Praise to God should be part of our life. Take a look at Psalm 35:28 (NIV). It says, “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.”

Regardless of the version you choose, these songwriters felt inadequate in their praise to God. If a thousand tongues or hands were available, it still wouldn’t be enough.

Our problem as humans is that we use our tongues for other purposes. James tells us that “no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8 – NIV). James goes on to tell his readers that “out of the same mouth come praise and cursing: My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:10 – NIV)

Under these circumstances, I don’t need a thousand tongues to get me into trouble. One will do just fine.

I know that on my own, my tongue is an evil weapon. But with God’s Holy Spirit, I am able to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25 – NIV) and “not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29 – NIV).

So today, I chose to use my one and only tongue to speak truth, encourage others, and to praise God!

Today, I also chose the newer version of this song for the close harmonies and awe that fills my heart when I hear it. “O for a Thousand Tongues,” for no other purpose than to sing praise to Jesus.

VERSE 1
Glory to the Lamb
Whose throne forever reigns.
God in the highest
Worthy to merit our praise.

CHORUS
Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
Praises unto Thee.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.

VERSE 2
We crown You with singing.
Our lips shall utter Your praise.
In humble adoration,
In endless refrain.

REPEAT CHORUS

TAG
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
In honor to the King![i]

I know you’ll want to listen to this  beautiful song, as recorded by the Nelons by clicking here.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna