May the Mind of Christ My Savior (#41 of 365+)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 KJV)

The title of today’s devotional is one of Joni’s favorite hymns.
When thoughts weigh heavy on her mind, interrupting her prayers, she uses each stanza of the song as her prayer until she feels at peace again.

I’ve always loved old hymns. Not always for the music, but more often for the theology behind the lyrics. I recently discovered that David Crowder Band’s song Phos Hilaron (Hail Gladdening Light) is actually an ancient hymn. Here are the lyrics:

Hail gladdening light, of Your pure glory poured
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest
O Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord

And now we've come to the sun's hour of rest
The lights of evening round us shine
We hymn the Father, Son, Spirit divine

Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
O with undefiled tongue
Son of our God, giver of life, alone
Son of our God, giver of life, alone
Son of our God, giver of life, alone

Therefore in all the world
Thy glories, Lord, thine own

According to Wikipedia, this song dates back to the 3rd or 4th century church and “is the earliest known Christian hymn recorded outside of the Bible that is still being used today”. The site goes on to say that it was originally in the Greek language of the day, and it was a “Lamp-lighting Hymn”. Today we unceremoniously flip a switch when it gets dark but back then the lighting of candles and torches was a very important task. My heart is touched with the way Christians made this daily routine into a ceremony of praise. It was a way for them to feel at peace during dark times, and kept God’s truth at the forefront of their minds. We could learn a lot from those early believers.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5)

I’m currently reading J. P. Moreland’s book Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit’s Power. He explains how our culture has pushed aside the biblical worldview to embrace scientific naturalism and postmodernism. Speaking to today’s church, Moreland says, “Aslan is afoot with unmistakable power – everywhere, that is, except in Western culture… I think we need to return to the first four centuries of Christianity and take some lessons from the early church. During that time, our brothers and sisters faced odds of success more incredible than ours, and yet they were so victorious that today we name our children Peter and Paul and our dogs Caesar and Nero!”

Lord, you alone are worthy to be sung about forever and ever. Thank you for leaving me little reminders of you everywhere I look. Protect the minds and hearts of my family and I as we go out into a dark world today, and help us to live powerful lives. Amen.