NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD

Dearly Beloved,
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:13 NIV).
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV).
A typical Yoruba Baptist cannot so easily forget the hymn, “A F’Ope F’Olorun.” The hymn is one of the most popular hymns among the Yoruba Baptists especially during a naming ceremony. It is sung to thank God for the new-born baby. However, the hymn – originally written in German by Martin Rinkart (1586–1649) titled “Nun dank­et al­le Gott“ and translated to English by Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878) before it was translated to Yoruba – is more than a naming ceremony hymn. It is a hymn that was testifying to the goodness of God especially in the time of a war. The lyrics of the hymn attest to this.
Stanza One is full of appreciation to God “with heart and hands and voices.” The reason is that God has done wondrous things in blessing us with countless gifts of love from our mothers’ arms till this moment. In Stanza Two, the composer of the hymn wanted this bounteous God to be near us through all our lives by keeping us in His grace, guiding us when we are perplexed, and saving us from all evils in this world. Meanwhile, Stanza Three continues to eulogize God. It gives a profound concept about God as the one eternal God who manifests Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is the one that the earth and the heavens will continue to adore both now and evermore. Amen.
In spite of the circumstance that led to the composition of this hymn, the hymn is full of praises of and thanksgiving to God. What is your circumstance presently? Learn to praise God for who He is, and thank Him for what He is doing in your life. Paul advised the Thessalonians, “...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). We can indeed thank God even during our most trying times. Thanks be to God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).